An incurable lung disease known as silicosis is experiencing a surge in cases among stone cutters, specifically young Latino immigrants concentrated in northern Los Angeles. The cause? The growing demand for engineered stone countertops, which contain higher levels of silica, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Although this disease is not new, it has become more urgent as an increasing number of workers in the stone fabrication hub of San Fernando Valley are being diagnosed at a much younger age, typically in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, instead of after several decades of exposure, like in their 60s or 70s. According to NPR, there have already been at least 10 fatalities. Dr. Nichole Quick, from LA’s public health department, emphasizes that “this is a preventable disease,” and urges appropriate actions to ensure safer workplaces.
The core issue lies in the working conditions. Stone cutters, without proper protection against silica dust (such as respirators and dust suppression systems), are inhaling it on a regular basis. The high concentration of silica triggers symptoms like breathing difficulties, which eventually lead to lung scarring and failure. Lung transplants are the only treatment option. Many day workers are unaware of silicosis and lack the necessary protective equipment in their small workshops, where violations are widespread. Safety officials in California discovered that 72% of these workshops fail to comply with safety standards. Pulmonary critical care physician Dr. Jane Fazio states, “People have no idea,” and highlights that consumers should be aware that the cheapest countertop may come at a serious cost to workers’ lives.
Advocates are demanding stricter regulations and increased awareness regarding the risks associated with engineered stone countertops. However, some argue that the raw materials contain too much silica to ever be considered safe. A lawyer representing affected workers describes engineered stone as “too dangerous to be used safely” and suggests it should be banned. Measures are being taken in California to address this crisis, with Cal/OSHA developing emergency standards, and LA County considering a potential ban on engineered stone, which currently constitutes over 60% of all countertops. (Interestingly, a teenager once mistook a valuable material for quartz).
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