Marble Institute of America: Press Room

Natural Stone Council Funds Marble Institute Silicosis Video Distribution

CLEVELAND, OH, January 7, 2008 — The Marble Institute of America (MIA) new video, Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable, will be distributed to the entire natural stone industry in the United States via the February 2008 issue of Stone World magazine. This industry-wide effort is being made possible by a generous grant from the Natural Stone Council.

"Safety in the workplace is everyone's uppermost concern and silicosis is such a serious occupational health issue for workers in our industry, as well as other occupations where crystalline silica dust is generated," said Chuck Monson, CEO, Dakota Granite Co. and NSC board member. "The NSC is pleased to underwrite the distribution of this worthwhile effort. Over 11,000 natural stone fabricators and distributors will receive the training video."

The video expands on a recent Stone News Channel feature that addressed reducing silica exposure through work practices by employers and employees. Grants from DuPont and Water Treatment Technologies helped fund the production of the video. DuPont has also agreed to fund two translations (French and Spanish) when the English version is completed.

Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable, focuses on prevention. Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease which literally takes the victim's breath away. It is caused by inhaling crystalline silica-prevalent in shops that cut and grind granite, slate or other quartz containing materials without the proper controls or personal protective equipment. Crystalline silica is so fine that it cannot be seen by the naked eye. That's what makes it so deadly. Avoiding exposure to it is the fundamental element in prevention.

About the Natural Stone Council
The Natural Stone Council is a collaboration of businesses and trade associations that have come together to promote the use of Genuine Stone® in commercial and residential applications. By pooling resources, the goal of the NSC is to increase the understanding of, preference for and consumption of Genuine Stone®.

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About the Marble Institute of America
For nearly 65 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

For more information, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222, e-mail MIAinfo@marble-institute.com, or visit www.marble-institute.com.