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Unbelievable way California dad is battling silicosis from quartz countertops
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Enrique Gonzalez, a San Fernando Valley stone worker diagnosed with silicosis, received a double lung transplant that has significantly improved his health after two years of being unable to work due to the incurable lung disease.
- Silicosis cases in California have surged from 31 in 2019 to 631 as of this week, primarily affecting men working with engineered quartz countertops, which contain high silica levels.
- The disease has caused 31 deaths and 65 lung transplants in the past eight years, with many cases likely undiagnosed or diagnosed late, particularly in Los Angeles County where half of the cases are reported.
- Gonzalez’s family is pursuing legal action against companies they hold responsible for his illness, highlighting concerns over workplace safety and the health risks of engineered stone materials.
- The illness has had a severe financial impact on Gonzalez’s family, who have relied on GoFundMe donations, but his recent health improvements offer hope as he continues recovery and legal proceedings.
