Brayton Purcell LLP Advocates for Urgent Action on Silicosis Crisis from Artificial Stone

Addressing the Silicosis Crisis in Artificial Stone Fabrication

Brayton Purcell LLP has taken a significant step in advocating for the health and safety of workers by submitting a comprehensive letter to both the United States Congress and the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board detailing the urgent silicosis crisis affecting artificial stone fabrication workers. This agency has urged immediate action to address what they deem a rapidly spiraling public health emergency.

The Extent of the Crisis

The submission highlights the alarming statistics concerning silicosis within the workforce, drawing attention to the nearly 700 workers from various regions, including 500 in California alone, who have developed silicosis and related health complications due to exposure to silica dust. Crystalline silica artificial stone, commonly known as engineered stone, consists of over 90% silica, and when this material is being fabricated, ultrafine particles are dispersed, posing severe health risks that cannot be controlled adequately in any fabrication environment.

According to Brayton Purcell, over 54% of fabrication shops in California have reported cases of silicosis, reinforcing that this issue is widespread rather than an isolated incident. This data highlights the necessity of recognizing the inherent dangers of the product itself rather than attributing the crisis to a few negligent shops or operators.

The Case Against Artificial Stone

Numerous scientific studies substantiate that artificial stone cannot be safely fabricated, emphasizing the unique toxicity risks associated with its high silica content and toxic components. Noteworthy is the drastic increase in silicosis cases since the rise in engineered stone use—a stark contrast to the natural stone fabrication industry, which historically recorded zero silicosis cases among workers. This calls for a serious reevaluation of current practices within the industry.

Medical Consensus and Advocacy

Across the medical community, there is a general agreement that the artificial stone industry is at the center of this preventable epidemic. The Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA) has advocated for a ban on crystalline silica artificial stone, and leading medical institutions express collective concerns over the occupational hazard this material poses. The only effective measure to mitigate this crisis is through the prohibition of the product—thereby eliminating exposure altogether.

In light of these facts, Brayton Purcell LLP points to the actions taken by Australia as a case study in successfully transitioning away from toxic materials. Since Australia banned crystalline silica artificial stone, the shift to safe alternatives like recycled glass slabs—producing no job losses and causing no disruption within the market—demonstrates that safety and economic viability can coexist.

Economic Interests and Resistance to Change

The firm also addresses the larger economic dynamics at play. With the majority of crystalline silica artificial stone imported and generating substantial annual revenue, foreign manufacturers are incentivized to oppose regulatory changes that challenge their business. These entities, driven more by profit than worker safety, pose significant roadblocks to necessary reforms, according to Brayton Purcell.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

In conclusion, Brayton Purcell LLP urges Congress and the Cal-OSHA Standards Board to act decisively to adopt the proposed ban on crystalline silica artificial stone. Without swift action, workers continue to face a deadly fate from an entirely avoidable hazard. The firm reiterates, "Workers are dying, and the clock is ticking. Safer alternatives already exist, and implementing them will save countless lives."

They implore immediate consideration of the WOEMA petition and the rejection of proposals that inhibit workers' rights to pursue accountability against foreign manufacturers. Living evidence within the workforce underscores the pressing need for change, and that change must occur now to protect future generations of workers from this imminent threat.