A new safety video produced by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) with grants from DuPont Surfaces and Water Treatment Technologies, will focus on silicosis; a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to respirable crystalline silica (granite dust).

The new video, “Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable,” will reach the entire natural stone industry in the U.S. More than 11,000 natural stone fabricators and distributors will receive the training video via an insert in the February 2008 issue of Stone World magazine. This industry-wide distribution effort is being made possible by a generous grant from the Natural Stone Council. The video expands on a recent Stone News Channel feature that addressed reducing silica exposure through work practices by employers and employees. DuPont Surfaces has also agreed to fund two translations (French and Spanish) when the initial video is completed.

“Silicosis is extremely serious,” said Paula Perry of Water Treatment Technologies. “Lung damage is usually permanent, frequently disabling and may lead to death. While there is no cure for silicosis, it can be prevented. Proper work processes are vital to the safety and health of everyone in the natural stone industry.”

“We are pleased to be working with Water Treatment Technologies to expand and promote the Marble Institute’s safety training program for the natural stone industry,” said Barbara Hannah of DuPont Surfaces. “Continuing education is the only way to achieve consistency in safety training throughout the marketplace. It eventually benefits the entire industry.”

“On behalf of our entire membership, I sincerely thank DuPont Surfaces and Water Treatment Technologies for making a significant contribution to MIA’s on-going safety initiative,” stated Jim Hogan, the 2008 president of MIA. “We are privileged to have the support of these two-member sponsors.”

To order the Silicosis video and other safety related resources, contact MIA at 440-250-9222 or visit www.marble-institute.com.