California faces a growing silicosis crisis in art arguments workers
Novato, California.Present April 11, 2025 / Prnewswire/ – A dangerous crisis of public health unfolds tacitly California Artificial stone worktop manufacturing industry, says Brayton Purcell LLP. Dozens of workers in particular young, Spanish-speaking immigrant sausages diagnose a severe and often fatal form of silicosis, a progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine silicon dioxide dust.
This new wave of occupational diseases is directly connected to the popularity of artificial stone, a material that is generally marketed as a quartz worktop. These plates, which are used in residential and commercial places and bathrooms, contain over 90% over 90% nanog dimensions crystalline silicon dioxide, significantly more than conventional natural stones such as granite or marble (Fazio JC et al. “, An overview of the silicosis and other silica-acidic diseases in the constructed stone paper fabric industry”, J. Occ. Med. Toxicol. 2025; 20 (1): 9, p. 2). The production of constructed stone slabs also releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including styrene, methyl methacrylate and phthalic anhydride – depending on the resin type that is involved in the production of the product. In addition, the cutting and grinding of these plates generates dust, which contain a significant number of ultra -stones particles of less than 1 μm. (ID.)
Even with dust reduction tools such as water systems or local exhaust gas ventilation, workers in manufacturing transactions are regularly exposed to in the air in the air, far beyond the legal limits. Studies by Niosh, various state health authorities and various health authorities around the world have documented the level of exposure from 215 to 680 μg/m³. In the US professional exposure limit of 50 μg/m³ (Phillips ML et al., J. Occ. Environment. Hyg. 2013; 10 (7): 368–373; 22); Qi et al. – Niosh – March 2016 -Engineering control of Silica dust made of stone worktop production and installation; Morbid. Mortal. WKLY Rep., September 27, 2019; 68 (38): 813-818; Dr. Jenny Houlroyd2024, “Economic feasibility of compliance with the Osha -Silica standard in the Cut Stone industry”; Qi et al. – Niosh – February 2024 – Examination of the ventilation control for the production of stone worktops; Fazio et al., 2025, p. 5.))
Moves quickly and often fatal
In contrast to the traditional form of silicosis – which typically develops after decades of exposure to industries such as mining or sandblasting – the form that now has an effect is that artificial stone workers become much faster. In many cases, the symptoms begin to start working with the worktop within a few years – or even months (FAZIO et al., 2025, pp. 10–11).
This accelerated form of silicosis causes irreversible lung damage and often leads to early death. Lung transplantation may be the only life -saving option, but for most employees, access to this care due to insurers, language challenges and delayed diagnoses is unreachable. (ID.)
The latest case data has shown that almost half of the diagnosed patients are given emergency rooms for the first time, often in critical condition (Faziio JC, Gandhi Sa, Schmeichler J, et al. ,, Jama internally with. 2023; 183 (9): 991–998, p. 3). In many, infections or other respiratory diseases are initially diagnosed incorrectly, so that the underlying damage can deteriorate over time. (ID.)
Latino immigrants workers met most hardest
The epidemic has disproportionately affected men with a migration background, most of which are used for small worktop companies or as independent employees sub -commissioned workers. More than 95% of those affected in the United States are Spanish -speaking immigrants Mexico or Central America (Fazio et al., J. Occ. Med. Toxicol. 2025, p. 2; Rose C et al., Mmwr morb. Mortal. WKLY Rep. 2019; 68 (38): 813–818). These employees often have no health insurance and are not aware of their legal or medical rights. In some cases, the workers also have artificial stone slabs after the diagnosis of silicosis – simply to supply their families (Fazio et al. Jama internally with.2023, p. 3).
The average age of those affected is in the mid -1940s, but many are diagnosed far earlier. (Id.) Families remain destroyed by the loss of young breadwinner – financially and emotionally – within a few years after exposure.
California pursues cases as Numbers increase
California The Department of Public Health (CDPH) has set up a dedicated artificial -stone -Silicosis -monitoring -dashboard in order to pursue confirmed cases. Away April 2025CDPH has confirmed:
- 294 medically diagnosed cases
- 15 deaths from silicosis
- 31 lung transplants carried out
- 26 additional transplant evidence
The middle age of the diagnosis and death is 46 years (CDPh shift of the stone stone silicosis -monitoring that was called April 2025).
Other countries act – will the United States follow?
Australiawhich was exposed to a similar wave of artificial stone silicosis among workers, carried out a multi -year national review. In 2024, the country made the pioneering decision to ban all artificial stone products, and came to the conclusion that technical controls could not adequately protect workers from the development of silicosis and other diseases caused by exposure to artificial stone dust. (Safe work Australia – August 2023 – Decision regulation Impact statement: ban on using technical stone; Cavalin C, Menéndez Navarro A ,, Hesa Mag. 2024; 29: 54–57; Fazio et al., 2025, p. 9).
In The United StatesHowever, the artificial stone is still widespread and installed, although it has growing indications of damage. Numerous doctors, experts and supporters demand a ban on artificial stone. For example “the more I learned, the more, the more I take care of these patients, the more I can be sure that this material can be processed safely” Sylmarwhich discovered the silicosis epidemic in the valley. ” Semantha Raquel NorrisPresent San Fernando Valley Sun/El SolPresent April 9, 2025 “The life of the Latino workers is cut in two halves in the Northeast Valley. Is the ban on engineered Stone the only solution to the silicosis epidemic?”
One of the most important record manufacturers even called for a ban on all artificial stone with a silica content of more than 40%. “'We have an immediate solution without disturbing the construction and the hardware store,” said a spokesman for Cosentino. “The immediate solution is that everyone buys less than 40 percent silicon dioxide,” he said. ” Adele Ferguson And Angus ThompsonThe Sidney Morning Harold, February 22, 2023“Benchtop giant, health groups require a dangerous ban on dangerous stone”
Legal can be the only lifeline
For many affected employees in CaliforniaThe employee compensation is not available because their tenants could not afford to receive employee compensation insurance. As a result, civil lawsuits are often the only way to compensation and in a broader sense the access to life-saving medical care.
Legal measures can help employees receive coverage for lung transplants, medicinal bills, lost income and long -term support in the family. Because artificial stone silicosis progresses so quickly, the supporters are pushing California Courts to speed up court hearings for these employees to ensure that they can ensure the care before it is too late (Fazio et al. ,, Jama internally with.2023; CDPH Dashboard, 2025).
About Brayton Purcell LLP
Brayton Purcell LLP is one of the most experienced and successful law firm in the country in the area of legal disputes of occupational diseases. For over 40 years, the company has been helping workers and families to secure justice and compensation in cases in which asbestos, silicon dioxide, other toxic exposure and industrial negligence and incorrect products are involved. Today Brayton Purcell LLP leads the fight in the name of the workers, which are damaged by artificial stone silicosis.
Media contact: Nolan Lowrynlowry@braytonlaw.com
Source Brayton Purcell LLP