California is set to become the first US state to protect workers fabricating quartz countertops amidst increasing cases of irreversible lung damage.

The growing concern: Countertop workers, predominantly Latino men, are developing an incurable lung disease called silicosis due to dust inhalation during quartz processing.
* At least ten workers have died from silicosis, while others have required lung transplants.
* Engineered stone like quartz contains a high amount of silica which, when airborne upon cutting or grinding, can lead to silicosis.

California’s response: Authorities have identified 77 cases among workers, prompting the state’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board to expedite the development of protective regulations.
* A study in California noted that around 72% of the state’s 808 countertop shops were likely violating existing silica standards in 2019 and 2020, significantly increasing silicosis risk for workers.
* The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is also considering banning high-silica content countertop materials.

National Implications: Health experts warn that silica-associated issues aren’t confined to California’s countertop industry.
* Since the first case emerged in Texas in 2014, affected workers have been identified in Colorado, Washington, and Florida.
* An estimated 100,000 people work in this sector across the U.S., with a study finding 12% of employees at one facility had silicosis.
* Experts are also concerned about workers who are undocumented or uninsured, as they may avoid seeking medical care for fear of penalties.

View original article on NPR

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