Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. It causes mesothelioma, lung cancer and even reproductive cancers. Businesses that exposed workers or consumers to asbestos frequently need to maintain resources to compensate those sickened through asbestos exposure. Even if the company files for bankruptcy or closes, establishing an asbestos trust for future compensation claims is often a mandatory part of that process.
Businesses in Illinois and across the United States may soon face similar requirements due to silica dust. Silica dust produced by fracking, mining and stone cutting can damage the lungs of workers and cause silicosis, a devastating, chronic medical condition.
Workers who cut stone, work at fracking sites or install custom countertops are among those most at risk of silicosis caused by silica dust exposure. Their employers may be liable if they fall ill due to workplace exposure to this dangerous substance.
Silicosis cases are on the rise
Decades ago, silicosis was a relatively rare industrial illness. However, that has changed in recent years. The rates of silicosis among stonecutters and other industrial professionals began climbing after companies started importing engineered stone, initially patented in Italy in 1975.
Since then, the rates of industrial workers diagnosed with silicosis have risen dramatically, especially among Hispanic workers at smaller businesses that custom-cut countertops in Illinois. Synthetic or manufactured stone is now commonplace in construction, especially for prestige countertops. Professionals who cut manufactured stone are among those most at risk of developing silicosis.
For many workers, the long latency period after silica dust exposure gives them a false sense of safety. They assume that because they have gone years without developing symptoms, they are safe. Unfortunately, workers may fall ill many years after they ceased working with manufactured stone or other natural products that may produce silica dust during cutting or processing.
Those with chronic silicosis may only show symptoms after 10-30 years have passed, while accelerated silicosis may become noticeable a decade after exposure. Professionals who have worked in fracking, construction, custom countertops or stone cutting may need to advise their health care providers of their prior workplace exposure to ensure proper medical oversight. An early diagnosis can give a worker better control over their long-term prognosis.
They also then have an opportunity to request compensation from their employers to expose them to silica dust. Discussing a recent diagnosis with a silica dust and silicosis attorney can help industrial and construction workers cover the cost of their medical care and recoup lost income.