#USA #California #Silicosis #Podcast #Brayton Law

New Podcast 'From Dust to Verdict'

A revolutionary podcast titled From Dust to Verdict has recently been launched to bring attention to the alarming health crisis of accelerated silicosis among workers in the artificial stone fabrication industry. Presented by Charley Velasco Ariza, an attorney at Brayton Purcell LLP, the podcast aims not only to educate the public but also to serve as a call to action regarding this preventable epidemic.

Understanding Accelerated Silicosis

Silicosis, a progressive lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, has long affected workers exposed to this hazardous material. The podcast dives deep into its historical roots, tracing back to the laborers who built the pyramids of Egypt and highlighting severe cases like the Hawk's Nest incident in West Virginia during the 1930s. In today's world, silicosis has re-emerged as a fatal threat—especially for young workers in the artificial stone industry. The rising popularity of artificial stone countertops, known for their aesthetic appeal and affordability, conceals a deadly reality. According to peer-reviewed medical studies, these materials can contain up to 95% silica nanoparticles, which become airborne during manufacturing processes, posing serious health risks.

The Manufacturing Hazard

Unlike natural stones like granite, which contains around 45% silica, artificial stones significantly increase the danger to fabricators. Inhalation of silica dust is common among workers who cut, polish, or drill these materials, often unaware of the risks they face, even while using common safety methods such as water cutting or N95 masks. Research by institutions like UCLA, Georgia Tech, and OSHA indicates that silica dust levels frequently surpass legal limits, confirming widespread fears of an unconstrained health crisis affecting laborers.

Episode Insights

Each episode of From Dust to Verdict delves into various aspects of this critical issue:

• - Episode 1: An introduction to the podcast and the emerging crisis of accelerated silicosis caused by artificial stone manufacturing, outlining the series’s objectives.
• - Episode 2: Unveils the hidden dangers of artificial stone, detailing the failure of the industry to warn or protect workers, while other nations like Australia express concerns over these materials.
• - Episode 3: Explains how respirable crystalline silica (RCS) causes diseases, capable of progressing from mild to fatal within months.
• - Episode 4: Discusses the limitations of proposed safety measures for manufacturer workers, emphasizing ineffectiveness.

Broader Health Implications

Silicosis isn’t the only risk; exposure during artificial stone production is linked to numerous health issues such as lung cancer, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, COPD, sarcoidosis, and often misdiagnosed tuberculosis among workers.

Legal Rights and Safety Concerns

Future episodes will address:

• - Access to occupational disease specialists and programs like Medi-Cal.
• - Legal pathways including lawsuits, workers' compensation, and regulatory issues.
• - Industry responsibility and comparative international practices.
• - Personal accounts from workers and innovative strategies for safer practices moving forward.

A Voice for the Voiceless

From Dust to Verdict is committed to raising awareness and accountability. Through engaging stories, expert interviews, scientific analysis, and legal perspectives, the podcast challenges listeners to confront the systems that allowed this crisis to flourish unchecked.

"There is no safe way to manufacture these artificial stones. Conventional manufacturing methods and even advanced masks provide no true protection to workers. Science has made this fact clear," asserts Velasco Ariza. This podcast serves as a poignant reminder of the families suffering as they watch their loved ones succumb to preventable diseases. Legal actions are underway to halt this devastation.

Meet Charley Velasco Ariza

Charley Velasco Ariza is an attorney at Brayton Purcell LLP, a nationally recognized firm specializing in litigating toxic exposure. He advocates for hundreds of artificial stone fabricators facing silica exposure and has become a noteworthy voice in the legal battle against manufacturers of artificial stone.

Tune In

From Dust to Verdict is available on major podcast platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio, with new episodes released weekly. For more information, visit Brayton Law or follow @braytonlaw on social media for updates.