The quarrying of bluestone has been a main source of income in this area stemming back to the mid 1800’s. There is a strong heritage in the enterprise, and most quarries in the area are run by families or those who have had quarrymen in their family for generations. This industry is important and should be protected. Bluestone is a valuable resource that is only found in this part of the country, and although it is hard work to quarry and cut this stone, many folks in this area do it for a living. The bluestone industry brings millions of dollars to New York and Pennsylvania’s economies. While it is important to protect the livelihood of bluestone quarrying, it is most important to protect the individuals who work with bluestone.
Bluestone contains high levels of silicates, which become released as a fine dust when the stone is cut or crushed. The dust, which is often invisible to the naked eye, can travel deep within the lungs and causes severe damage. This leads to difficulty breathing, and a debilitating lung disease called silicosis. In recent years, local healthcare providers have noticed an increasing trend of silicosis among full-time and part-time quarrymen. If silicosis is gone undetected and advances into late stages, the only curative treatment is a lung transplant. However, it is very feasible to harvest bluestone safely if the proper precautions are taken to reduce harmful dust exposure.
Here are some tips to help reduce exposure:
• When cutting or crushing bluestone, use saws or tools with water hook-ups and use water to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air
• Wear a fitted respirator or N95 mask to lessen the chance of inhalation of any dust
• Always position yourself upwind when cutting
• Avoid dry-sweeping which stirs up harmful dust
• Change your clothes and shoes before entering your home
• Shower immediately upon returning home
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network, is trying to understand the barriers bluestone quarrymen/cutters/masons face when it comes to safely handling bluestone.
If you are interested in taking part in this study or would like more information on the study/bluestone silicosis, please email Bluestone@bassett.org or call us at 607-547-6023.
NYCAMH, a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, is enhancing agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury.
