The man’s name was not released, and his condition Tuesday was unclear; a DPH spokesperson confirmed that he was alive, but declined further comment.
Officials said that additional, unconfirmed cases may also exist among workers in Massachusetts.
“Between the long latency period before symptoms show and the current demand for engineered stone products, additional cases of engineered stone-associated silicosis are, unfortunately, expected to emerge in the future,” read the statement.
The disease, though preventable, is incurable once contracted, officials said. Stone fabrication workers are particularly at risk, since silica dust is generated by processes like cutting, polishing, or grinding stone.
Silicosis is characterized by scarring of the lungs, and its early symptoms include an irritating cough, mucus, and shortness of breath, officials said. As it worsens, victims may fatigue, chest pain, leg swelling, and blueish lips. The disease, which is sometimes fatal, can also lead to other lung diseases such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.
The first recorded US case of silicosis tied to engineering stone was reported in Texas in 2014, officials said. Since then, hundreds of cases have been reported across the country, with dozens of deaths. Most workplace cases in the US are contracted by young Latino men, which make up a large portion of the stone-working industry.
Public health officials said that workplace safety methods can minimize the risk of silicosis. Those methods include respirators, proper ventilation, implementing wet cutting methods for stone, and periodic medical exams for at-risk workers.
“Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease — and one that is also absolutely preventable,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “Massachusetts employers in industries where workers are exposed to silica dust have a responsibility to protect their workforce, including from harmful airborne dust. No worker should have to suffer from a chronic and insidious lung disease or possibly die because of a preventable exposure at work.”
Camilo Fonseca can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.
