A 48-year-old man, Mark Marzec, has been given only weeks to live due to a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling dust while working with kitchen worktops. Marzec, who has worked as a stoneworker in the UK since 2012, has issued a chilling warning that he’s not the only one affected by the dangers of inhaling crystalline silica dust. His tragic story sheds light on the urgent need for improved safety regulations to protect stoneworkers from similar life-threatening conditions.
Marzec says his job has left him ‘unable to breathe’. (SWNS)
The Diagnosis: A Deadly Lung Disease
Mark Marzec, originally from Poland, has been diagnosed with silicosis, a long-term lung disease resulting from inhaling fine particles of silica dust. Silica, a mineral found in stone, sand, and clay, is highly dangerous when broken down into airborne particles, which are released during activities like cutting and grinding. Over time, these microscopic particles lodge in the lungs, causing irreversible damage and scarring that impairs breathing.
Silicosis, once considered a disease of the past, has made a comeback with the increased use of engineered stone materials like quartz in construction and home renovation. According to the NHS, exposure to large amounts of crystalline silica over time leads to the disease, which can become life-threatening if not managed or prevented early on.
A Fatal Job Hazard: How Inhaling Dust from Kitchen Worktops Caused the Disease
Marzec’s career as a stoneworker involved cutting and shaping kitchen worktops made of engineered stone, a material that releases high levels of silica dust when worked. This type of work requires strict safety measures, including ventilation, protective equipment, and dust control, to prevent inhaling dangerous particles. Unfortunately, Marzec believes his working conditions did not meet these standards, leading to his devastating diagnosis.
Marzec, now unable to undergo a life-saving operation due to the severity of his condition, is speaking out to warn others of the dangers of inadequate safety measures in the stoneworking industry. “I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions,” Marzec shared from his hospital bed, adding that his life has been cut short simply for doing his job.
A Call for Urgent Action: The Need for Better Health and Safety Regulations
Marzec’s case is not isolated, and his experience highlights a growing crisis in industries that involve stonework and engineered stone products. With dust-control measures either insufficient or absent in some workplaces, employees are left exposed to a slow, silent killer. Marzec’s lawyer, Ewan Tant from Leigh Day law firm, expressed deep concern over what he described as “appalling” conditions.
“This is a tragic case, with my client now on end-of-life care as a result of working with engineered stone in what he alleges were appalling conditions, totally unfit for purpose,” Tant said. “No one should end up facing the bleakest of outcomes simply as a result of going to work.”
Marzec’s legal team is pushing for significant changes in health and safety practices to prevent further cases like his. By taking legal action, Marzec hopes to bring about regulatory changes to protect other workers in the industry and prevent further unnecessary deaths from silicosis and other respiratory diseases.
It’s feared other stoneworkers will lose their lives. (SWNS)
The Hidden Dangers of Silica Dust
Silica dust, which can be released during the cutting, grinding, and polishing of materials like quartz, granite, and concrete, poses severe health risks. Tiny, invisible particles of silica are easily inhaled into the lungs, where they become lodged and cause scarring over time. The progression of silicosis can be slow and subtle, often going unnoticed until it reaches a critical stage.
There are three primary types of silicosis:
- Chronic Silicosis: This form develops after long-term exposure (10 years or more) and is marked by lung inflammation and scarring.
- Accelerated Silicosis: This develops faster, within five to 10 years, due to higher levels of silica dust exposure.
- Acute Silicosis: The most severe form, acute silicosis develops within a few weeks to a few years of extremely high exposure levels, causing intense inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Marzec’s condition is severe enough that even a potentially life-saving operation is too risky for him. His story is a stark reminder of the dangers that silica dust poses, especially for those working with engineered stone and other silica-based materials daily.
The Toll of Silicosis on Stoneworkers and the Growing Crisis
Mark Marzec’s case has spotlighted a broader issue, as more workers in the stone industry come forward with similar stories of silicosis and severe respiratory illnesses. Silicosis is preventable, but only if proper safety measures are in place, such as ventilation systems, dust suppression, and protective respirators. Unfortunately, Marzec’s experience reflects the lack of enforcement of these measures in some workplaces.
As a result, silicosis cases are on the rise. Experts are warning that without swift regulatory action, the number of workers affected by this preventable disease will continue to grow. This is not just a UK problem; similar reports have emerged from around the world, showing that this is a global occupational health crisis.
Marzec’s Legal Battle for Accountability and Change
Marzec is currently pursuing legal action against his former employers for what he alleges were unsafe working conditions. Represented by the law firm Leigh Day, Marzec’s legal team aims to hold these employers accountable and push for improvements in workplace safety. The goal is to establish more stringent guidelines around dust exposure and to enforce measures that protect workers’ health.
His solicitor, Ewan Tant, stresses the importance of this case as a warning for employers to prioritize worker safety: “If nothing changes, we could see more deaths in the coming years,” Tant warned, emphasizing the urgency of protecting future stoneworkers from a similar fate.
A Message to Stoneworkers: Take Safety Seriously
Marzec’s tragic experience serves as a critical reminder for other stoneworkers to take dust control and respiratory protection seriously. For those currently working in stone cutting or construction, here are some ways to protect yourself from silica dust exposure:
- Wear Protective Respirators: Respirators are essential for preventing dust inhalation, especially in environments with high levels of silica dust.
- Use Wet Cutting Techniques: Wet cutting or dust suppression tools can significantly reduce airborne dust.
- Follow Ventilation Protocols: Ensure adequate ventilation systems are in place to reduce airborne dust concentration.
- Regular Health Screenings: Periodic check-ups can help detect early signs of silicosis and other respiratory issues.
It’s also crucial for employers to implement these safety protocols and follow regulatory guidelines to safeguard their employees. By taking preventive steps, stoneworkers and employers can reduce the risk of silicosis and prevent further tragedies like Marzec’s.
Conclusion: Silicosis Is Preventable, but Action Is Needed Now
Mark Marzec’s story is both tragic and eye-opening. Diagnosed with terminal silicosis, Marzec’s warning about the dangers of inhaling silica dust is a call to action. This preventable disease continues to impact workers who risk their lives simply by going to work every day. With proper protective measures and stronger enforcement of health and safety standards, we can prevent cases like Marzec’s from happening in the future.
The responsibility lies with employers, lawmakers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that adequate protections are in place to keep workers safe. In the meantime, Marzec’s fight for justice is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to act before more lives are lost.
