600-plus California stonecutters diagnosed with deadly silicosis

Key Points:

• A new study reveals a sharp rise in silicosis cases among Latino men cutting artificial-stone countertops in California, with reported cases increasing from 47 in 2019-2022 to 571 by August 2023, primarily affecting workers in the San Fernando Valley.
• Silicosis, caused by inhaling microscopic silica dust, leads to severe lung damage, rapid disease progression, and early death, with many affected workers requiring lung transplants; the median age of diagnosis is 46 and death is 52.
• Despite some legislative efforts like California Senate Bill 20 to improve worker protections, compliance remains low, with 94% of inspected shops cited for violations and calls from health professionals for stronger measures.
• The Western Occupational & Environmental Medical Association petitioned for a ban on the production and fabrication of artificial stone containing silica, citing Australia's successful nationwide prohibition as a model.
• California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has approved the petition and is drafting emergency regulations to potentially prohibit engineered-stone countertop fabrication, pending stakeholder review and board approval.