#United States #Los Angeles #Silicosis #Brayton Purcell #Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Declares June as Silicosis Awareness Month

In a significant move aimed at tackling a mounting public health crisis, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed June as Silicosis Awareness Month. This proactive decision, led by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda Solís, responds to the alarming rise in silicosis cases, a preventable occupational lung disease predominantly affecting workers in the engineered and natural stone manufacturing industries.

The Impact of Silicosis

A recent report titled "LA County Board of Supervisors Proclaim June as Silicosis Awareness Month" by Semantha Raquel Norris in the San Fernando Valley Sun, sheds light on the disproportionate impact of silicosis in the northeast area of the San Fernando Valley. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), there have been 322 confirmed silicosis cases statewide as of May 2025, including 31 lung transplants and 15 fatalities, more than 55% of which occurred in Los Angeles County.

Supervisor Horvath emphasized the critical need for public education, stating, "We want to ensure that people are not only aware of what this disease is and how they can be exposed to harmful conditions but also what they can do to protect themselves and what we're doing to safeguard their health and invest in treatment and care."

Ongoing Advocacy for Stronger Measures

Despite local and state efforts, including a $500,000 investment in outreach activities and updated Cal/OSHA safety standards, advocates argue that current measures are inadequate. James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP representing numerous affected workers, highlighted the urgency for more decisive action. "I believe any awareness helps, especially as consumers can become informed about this epidemic. But much more needs to be done. They should seriously consider banning engineered stone."

The Dangers of Engineered Stone

Engineered stone, which became the most popular countertop material in the U.S. in 2021, contains over 90% crystalline silica. When cut or polished, it generates high volumes of nanometer-sized silica particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pose serious inhalation hazards. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, even when all Cal/OSHA-recommended methods are applied, silica dust levels remain significantly above permissible exposure limits.

Nevin commented on the misconception that licensing and training shops would solve the problem, stating, "Pretending that simply by regulating shops we won’t encounter this issue is just ignoring the science."

International Comparisons and Legislative Developments

Countries like Australia have taken preventative measures, banning engineered stone without industry collapse. Nevin noted, "There is an irrational fear among politicians that banning engineered stone will lead to a business downturn; this simply does not reflect objective reality. Australia has prohibited engineered stone, yet manufacturing companies remain operational."

Meanwhile, California's STOP Act (SB 20) has passed through the State Senate with unanimous support and is now heading to the Assembly. This legislation aims to establish training programs, certifications, and public monitoring systems for stone manufacturing shops—albeit, some advocate this falls short in effectively protecting workers from silica exposure.

Balancing Economic and Health Priorities

Supervisor Horvath acknowledged the need for a balanced approach between economic and public health concerns, stating, "We need to ensure that regulations are structured in a way that allows people to earn a living without risking their lives to do so."

She also confirmed that the Los Angeles County Economic Opportunity Department has received state funding to assist affected workers in transitioning to alternative careers.

A Call to Action

As June unfolds, the procla­mation of Silicosis Awareness Month serves both as a call to action and a step toward lasting solutions. Advocates continue to urge public officials to address workplace protections as well as the root cause of the crisis: engineered stone itself.

For media inquiries or to connect with James Nevin or another representative of Brayton Purcell LLP, please contact Brayton Purcell LLP at (800) 598-0314 or visit www.braytonlaw.com.