#United States #California #Silicosis #Brayton Purcell

The Silicosis Crisis in California

A troubling public health emergency is unfolding within California's artificial stone countertop fabrication sector. Reports indicate that numerous workers, especially young, Spanish-speaking immigrants, are being diagnosed with silicosis—a serious lung disease attributed to the inhalation of fine silica dust. This alarming trend is linked directly to the rise in popularity of artificial stone, frequently sold as quartz countertops, which contain over 90% nano-sized crystalline silica by weight. In contrast, more traditional stones like granite and marble contain significantly less silica.

A Dangerous Occupational Illness

The production of engineered stone slabs not only produces harmful silica dust but also releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pose additional health risks. Despite the implementation of dust suppression measures, such as water systems and local exhaust ventilation, workers are still facing exposure levels that substantially exceed legal thresholds set in the United States. Studies reveal that many workers are experiencing exposure levels ranging from 215 to 680 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to the legal limit of 50 micrograms.

Unlike traditional forms of silicosis, which typically develop after many years of exposure, the variant affecting artificial stone fabricators progresses at a much faster pace. Symptoms may appear just months after starting work, leading to irreversible lung damage and often resulting in early death—making lung transplantation the sole life-saving option for many, though access is frequently hindered by numerous barriers.

Disproportionate Impact on Latino Workers

The ongoing epidemic has notably affected Latino immigrant men who primarily comprise California’s artificial stone workforce, often found in small businesses or working as independent contractors. The statistics are harrowing; over 95% of diagnosed cases involve Spanish-speaking immigrants from Mexico or Central America, many of whom lack adequate health insurance and are unaware of their rights. Compounding their plight, many workers continue to labor in countertop fabrication even after a silicosis diagnosis, driven by the need to support their families.

The average age of those affected is in the mid-40s, but increasingly, younger workers are succumbing to this preventable disease, leaving their families in dire financial and emotional distress.

State Initiatives and Global Responses

In response to this crisis, California’s Department of Public Health has launched a specialized Artificial Stone Silicosis Surveillance Dashboard to monitor confirmed cases. As of April 2025, the dashboard revealed 294 medically confirmed cases alongside 15 reported deaths and over 30 lung transplants carried out for affected patients. The median age for diagnosis and mortality stands at 46 years, painting a grim picture of this health crisis.

Countries around the world have begun to react. For instance, Australia, which experienced a similar health crisis, decided to ban the use of artificial stone products, acknowledging that existing protections were insufficient to safeguard workers' health. However, in the U.S., the manufacturing and installation of artificial stone remain widespread, despite mounting evidence of associated health risks.

The Fight for Justice and Legal Recourse

For many affected workers, navigating workers' compensation can be nearly impossible, leading them to count on civil lawsuits as their primary means to access medical care and compensation for lost income. Legal proceedings can assist workers in securing coverage necessary for lung transplants and other essential medical needs. Given the rapid progression of silicosis, advocates urge expedited trials to ensure timely access to care.

The fight continues for the many stricken by this crisis in California. Organizations like Brayton Purcell LLP are at the forefront, specializing in cases related to occupational diseases such as silicosis. They strive to support workers and their families in obtaining justice, medical treatment, and financial compensation, highlighting the urgent need to address this public health crisis.

Conclusion

As the crisis deepens, it underscores the broader implications of occupational health and safety regulations and the moral imperative to protect vulnerable workers. The ongoing plight of silicosis victims in California serves as a clarion call for reform and action to safeguard health and livelihoods in the workplace, particularly within industries tied to immigrant labor.

This developing situation demands attention, not only to prevent future cases but also to acknowledge and address the fallout faced by those currently suffering from this devastating illness.