Notes from the field: silicosis in a countertop fabricator - Texas, 2014

In May 2014, the Texas Department of State Health Services was notified of a case of silicosis with progressive massive fibrosis in a Hispanic male aged 37 years who worked for an engineered stone countertop company as a polisher, laminator, and fabricator. He was exposed to dust for 10 years from working with conglomerate or quartz surfacing materials containing 70%-90% crystalline silica. This is the first reported case of silicosis associated with exposure to quartz surfacing materials in North America.