Characterization of Silica Exposure during Manufacturing of Artificial Stone Countertops

Mariella Carrieri, Carly Guzzardo, Daniel Farcas and Lorenzo G. Cena
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Mariella Carrieri: Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Carly Guzzardo: Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383, USA
Daniel Farcas: Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
Lorenzo G. Cena: Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Artificial stone is increasing in popularity in construction applications, including commercial and residential countertops. Eco-friendliness, durability, and resistance to staining, make artificial stone attractive to consumers. Health concerns have arisen during manufacturing of artificial stone due to increased incidence of silicosis after relatively short exposure. Three artificial stone samples (A, B, and C) and one natural granite sample were subjected to cutting and grinding in a controlled environment. Gravimetric analysis, X-Ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy were employed to determine crystalline silica concentrations and particle morphology of bulk and respirable particles. Silica content of bulk dust from artificial samples A and B was 91%, sample C was <10%, while granite was 31%. Silica percent in the respirable fraction for samples A and B was 53% and 54%, respectively, while sample C was <5% and granite was 8%. Number concentrations for samples A and B were mainly in the nano-fraction, indicating potential for translocation of silica particles to other organs outside of the lungs. Respirable dust concentrations inside the chamber were well above Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for all materials, indicating that confined-space exposures require ventilation to lower risks of acute silicosis regardless of the nature of the stone.

Keywords: silica; crystalline; countertops; benchtops; manufacturing; grinding; respirable (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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