An alert on the hazards of silica exposure for workers involved in the finishing manufacture process or installation of countertops. Introduction Workers involved in manufacturing, finishing, and installing natural and manufactured stone countertops are at risk for significant crystalline silica exposure. Crystalline silica commonly occurs in nature as the mineral quartz, and is found in granite, sandstone, quartzite, various other rocks, and sand. Workers who inhale very small crystalline silica particles are at risk for silicosis – an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Silicosis results in permanent lung damage. Silica dust particles become trapped in lung tissue, causing inflammation and...