A stone worker in hospital with terminal silicosis says he developed the disease after inhaling dust while cutting engineered stone kitchen worktops in unsafe working conditions.

Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father of three originally from Poland but living in London, has worked for several engineered stone producers in north London and Hertfordshire since 2012. He was diagnosed with silicosis in April this year. Since then, his condition has rapidly deteriorated and he has been told by doctors he has only weeks to live.

  • SirSamuel@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    I worked concrete construction for about a decade, and was living in NYC on 911. I figure complications from asbestos and silica exposure will take me out in my late 60’s/early 70’s before congestive heart failure gets me in my 80’s (like most of the men in my family).

    I started working for a larger company in NYC and they had safety classes for new workers that included silica education. I had no idea before then, but always wore an N95 afterward when working with Portland or doing concrete demo. But I still had years of exposure from my youth. We were completely unaware of the dangers

    Companies have known the risks of silica exposure for years. Many have blood on their hands.

    • Sony@lemmy.worldOPM
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      6 days ago

      Exactly and a point many cannot seem to understand, most occupational diseases are as a whole, caused simply by ignorance : The time to change this corporate ‘for profit over all’ ideology has well past. You take care sir and try not to worry . As with your elders, I am quite sure the heart failure will get you first ! Live long and prosper dude

      • SirSamuel@lemmy.world
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        5 days ago

        ♥️tx my dude, i don’t worry too much, I’m just pragmatic about my future prospects

        Here we are, and it is now