Brayton Purcell LLP Highlights Urgent Nationwide Crisis of Silicosis Affected Workers
In a recent report published by NPR, Brayton Purcell LLP has urgently highlighted the growing occupational health crisis stemming from silicosis, a debilitating lung disease affecting workers across the United States. The findings emerged after an investigation by NPR’s science correspondent, Nell Greenfieldboyce, shedding light on the concerning prevalence of this illness among countertop workers.
The NPR report, which aired on May 18, 2026, includes a heartbreaking interview with Wade Hanicker, a countertop worker and client of Brayton Purcell LLP, who has been diagnosed with silicosis after years of cutting quartz surfaces. Wade shared the terrifying reality of his condition, stating that he and his fellow workers were more focused on immediate physical hazards than the long-term risks of pulmonary disease. “We... broke down and cried together... this changes lives. There’s no cure for this,” he said, articulating the life-altering consequences that come with such a diagnosis.
Another poignant story featured in the report is that of Tyler Jordan, a Colorado native who began working in his family’s countertop business as a teenager. After a decade of exposure to silica dust, he received the shocking diagnosis of silicosis. Tyler recalled feeling that, at his age, it was impossible for him to suffer from such a debilitating illness. Unfortunately, his condition has since worsened to the point where he requires dialysis and might need a transplant, underscoring the severe repercussions of silica exposure among workers.
The report noted that California alone has tracked approximately 550 cases of silicosis within this workforce, leading to over 30 fatalities and numerous lung transplants. Concerns have escalated to the point where a state safety board is considering a ban on the sale and manufacture of artificial stone slabs containing more than 1% of crystalline silica.
James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP who represents both Wade and Tyler, expressed that many workers feel compelled to remain silent about their conditions due to fear—fear of losing their jobs or even being deported. “They are terrified to come forward,” he stated.
While some industry representatives contend that proper safety practices can mitigate risks, experts highlighted in the NPR report challenge this view, suggesting that the crisis extends well beyond California's borders. Dr. Kurt Hegmann, an occupational health expert, remarked that the outbreak represents one of the most severe issues impacting workers he has observed throughout his career.
Epidemiologist Ken Rosenman pointed out that the actual number of cases could be significantly underestimated, with claims that up to 95% of silicosis cases might go unrecognized. Safety expert David Michaels voiced concern that the real numbers could far exceed current estimates, stating, “We could easily have 10,000 workers here with silicosis and possibly many more.”
Brayton Purcell LLP is committed to advocating for workers nationwide who suffer from silica exposure, echoing the troubling trends identified in NPR’s report. Nevin emphasized the need for action, urging regulators and policymakers to treat the findings from the NPR report as a wake-up call. He stated, “The same exposures that have devastated workers in California are present across the country, and the system is failing to recognize the full extent of this disease.”
The firm calls on lawmakers to eliminate exposure by prohibiting the sale and manufacture of hazardous materials. The full NPR report and accompanying audio can be found at NPR's Website.
Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing individuals harmed by toxic exposures, including workers affected by silicosis and other occupational diseases.
For media inquiries, please contact: Nolan Lowry
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 415-399-3107
The NPR report, which aired on May 18, 2026, includes a heartbreaking interview with Wade Hanicker, a countertop worker and client of Brayton Purcell LLP, who has been diagnosed with silicosis after years of cutting quartz surfaces. Wade shared the terrifying reality of his condition, stating that he and his fellow workers were more focused on immediate physical hazards than the long-term risks of pulmonary disease. “We... broke down and cried together... this changes lives. There’s no cure for this,” he said, articulating the life-altering consequences that come with such a diagnosis.
Another poignant story featured in the report is that of Tyler Jordan, a Colorado native who began working in his family’s countertop business as a teenager. After a decade of exposure to silica dust, he received the shocking diagnosis of silicosis. Tyler recalled feeling that, at his age, it was impossible for him to suffer from such a debilitating illness. Unfortunately, his condition has since worsened to the point where he requires dialysis and might need a transplant, underscoring the severe repercussions of silica exposure among workers.
The report noted that California alone has tracked approximately 550 cases of silicosis within this workforce, leading to over 30 fatalities and numerous lung transplants. Concerns have escalated to the point where a state safety board is considering a ban on the sale and manufacture of artificial stone slabs containing more than 1% of crystalline silica.
James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP who represents both Wade and Tyler, expressed that many workers feel compelled to remain silent about their conditions due to fear—fear of losing their jobs or even being deported. “They are terrified to come forward,” he stated.
While some industry representatives contend that proper safety practices can mitigate risks, experts highlighted in the NPR report challenge this view, suggesting that the crisis extends well beyond California's borders. Dr. Kurt Hegmann, an occupational health expert, remarked that the outbreak represents one of the most severe issues impacting workers he has observed throughout his career.
Epidemiologist Ken Rosenman pointed out that the actual number of cases could be significantly underestimated, with claims that up to 95% of silicosis cases might go unrecognized. Safety expert David Michaels voiced concern that the real numbers could far exceed current estimates, stating, “We could easily have 10,000 workers here with silicosis and possibly many more.”
Brayton Purcell LLP is committed to advocating for workers nationwide who suffer from silica exposure, echoing the troubling trends identified in NPR’s report. Nevin emphasized the need for action, urging regulators and policymakers to treat the findings from the NPR report as a wake-up call. He stated, “The same exposures that have devastated workers in California are present across the country, and the system is failing to recognize the full extent of this disease.”
The firm calls on lawmakers to eliminate exposure by prohibiting the sale and manufacture of hazardous materials. The full NPR report and accompanying audio can be found at NPR's Website.
About Brayton Purcell LLP
Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing individuals harmed by toxic exposures, including workers affected by silicosis and other occupational diseases.
For media inquiries, please contact: Nolan Lowry
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 415-399-3107
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