NPR Illinois Warns That Countertop Workers Could Have Damaged Lungs

On May 18th, 2026, NPR Illinois warned that countertop workers could have severely damaged lungs. Many of these workers probably have no idea how damaged their lungs have become, and researchers estimate that thousands of people could be affected. If you are a countertop worker, you might want to consider medical testing and a conversation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago.

Countless Countertop Workers Have Developed Silicosis

Across the country, it is becoming exceedingly clear that countertop workers face heightened silicosis risks. These workers often cut slabs of granite and quartz, and modern countertop materials may contain high concentrations of silica. When workers cut into countertop materials, silica dust is emitted into the air. Without proper respiratory equipment, it is all too easy to inhale deadly quantities of this toxin.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this issue is the slow, gradual way in which it claims lives. Workers are completely unaware of how silica is damaging their lungs until one day they receive shocking diagnoses and face life-altering consequences. Certain jurisdictions have tracked countertop workers, discovering that dozens have passed away from silicosis. Others have been forced to get lung transplants.

Doctors Petition for the Ban of High-Silica Countertop Materials

Doctors believe that states should start banning countertop materials that contain high concentrations of silica. Without this ban, vulnerable workers will continue to cut into these slabs with basic face masks or no protection at all. In many states, the most at-risk workers are Hispanic or recent immigrants who may not understand the risks they face. Employers often share the blame for not providing their workers with proper respiratory gear. A ban on high-silica countertop materials would be an obvious solution.

10,000 Countertop Workers Could Have Lung Disease Without Realizing It

States are often slow to take action because they are not aware of how hazardous this issue can be for countertop workers. This real problem is that countertop workers themselves often have no idea what they are doing to their lungs. Because of the gradual way in which silicosis manifests, the true number of affected workers could be much higher than state safety authorities realize.

10 percent of all countertop workers could have lung disease, and there are 100,000 countertop workers in the United States. In other words, 10,000 countertop workers could have silicosis across the country.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?

Toxic exposure is something you should take very seriously, even if you’re not sure whether your lungs are damaged as a result of countertop work. Prompt medical testing can reduce the negative consequences of lung issues like silicosis. Once you become aware of lung damage and receive an official diagnosis, you only have a limited time to take legal action. Contact the experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Connolly Injury Law today to get the ball rolling.

Source: 

nprillinois.org/2026-05-18/thousands-of-u-s-countertop-workers-could-have-damaged-lungs-safety-expert-says