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

With grants from DuPont Surfaces and Water Treatment Technologies, a new safety video produced by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) 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 United States. Over 11,000 natural stone fabricators and distributors will receive the training video via an insert in the February 2008 issue of TILE Magazine’s sister publication -- Stone World magazine. This industry-wide distribution effort is being made possible by a 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.

Jim Hogan, the 2008 president of MIA, stated, "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. 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.