Workers at the Imerys mine in Glomel, Brittany, have reportedly been exposed to toxic dust containing crystalline silica, a known carcinogen linked to serious respiratory diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and emphysema. Michel, a retired worker who spent his career at the mine, said he became concerned after another employee died of lung cancer. He described working conditions where dust accumulation was so severe that there was sometimes 1 centimeter of dust on the floor. An interim worker also noted that the dust was so prevalent that workers "ate" it, indicating the extent of the contamination. Andalusite, the mineral mined at Glomel, contains high levels of crystalline silica, which is classified as a hazardous substance under labor regulations. Dr. Alain Carré, a labor physician and mining risk specialist, explained that this type of dust is extremely dangerous and can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, and autoimmune diseases. Patrick Brochard, a scientific officer at the University of Bordeaux’s Laboratory for Inhaled Particles, added that freshly ground silica is particularly harmful because it can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irreversible damage that may not become apparent until years after exposure. Workers described conditions where dust was constantly present in the air, often coming from machines used to fill product bags. Nicolas, an interim worker, said that workers were sometimes required to clean these machines using blowers, resulting in them emerging "white" with dust. Although the company’s internal documents acknowledged the risks of crystalline silica exposure and required the use of FFP3 masks for certain tasks, many workers avoided wearing them due to discomfort. Cédric Gouagout, a former interim worker who became ill after working at the mine, described his experience with the dust, noting that cleaning the floor with an air can caused a significant amount of dust to fill the air. He was diagnosed with a syndrome related to exposure to lime and andalusite dust and is now recognized as a disabled worker. His illness has left him unable to perform daily tasks, causing financial strain for his family. Meanwhile, measurements by the regional environment authority (Dreal) found excessive dust emissions from a calcinator, a high-temperature device used in the mining process. Although the company was given a deadline to reduce emissions, the follow-up measurements were considered with reservations. Imerys has not disclosed details about how the dust measurements were taken, stating it reserves the sharing of internal documents and technical data for regulatory and judicial authorities. The company emphasized that the health and safety of workers and environmental protection are priorities. However, former workers have expressed concerns about the lack of proper follow-up on health issues and the failure to implement adequate safety measures. Cédric Gouagout has filed a lawsuit against the temporary agency Manpower and Imerys, accusing them of "inexcusable negligence." The first hearing in the case is scheduled for October 8, 2026, at the social court in Saint-Brieuc.