A serious lung disease is hitting workers in the countertop industry hard. As many as 500 workers in California have fallen ill since 2019 due to silicosis, a condition caused by inhaling silica dust while cutting stone. This epidemic has prompted debates on how to address the issue, with two very different responses emerging from lawmakers on opposite coasts.
In California, regulators are discussing a proposed ban on cutting engineered stone, which creates more lung-damaging silica dust than natural stone like granite. Meanwhile, some lawmakers in Washington are exploring legislation that would protect companies from lawsuits related to this illness. This has sparked outrage among workers and health experts.
Attorney Raphael Metzger, who represents many affected workers, believes it’s backwards to protect companies. “The stone slabs should be banned, not the lawsuits,” he argues. In contrast, Cambria, a major manufacturer of engineered stone, claims it can be made safely by controlling the dust with proper techniques.
Rebecca Shult, Cambria’s legal officer, argues, “Our workers are protected.” However, many experts like David Michaels, a former director of OSHA, argue that this stance is unacceptable. “No industry should say, ‘We sell a dangerous product, but it’s not our responsibility once it leaves our factory,'” he states.
The heartbreaking reality is that many of those afflicted are Hispanic men in their 30s and 40s, leading to a growing number of lung transplants and even deaths. In addition to California, cases are surfacing in states like Texas and New York, with Massachusetts recently reporting its first case.
A worker, Leobardo Segura Meza, shared his concern at a recent safety board meeting: “I worry there aren’t enough lungs for all the transplants needed.” With about 100,000 people employed in the countertop industry nationally, it’s a staggering crisis.
Despite stricter workplace standards in California, compliance is still low. Recent inspections revealed that many workers lack proper respiratory protection during high-risk tasks. Estimates show that about 25% of shops still cut stone without using water to reduce dust—a practice that significantly increases risk.
Experts from the Western Occupational & Environmental Medical Association have even petitioned California to ban engineered stone cutting entirely. This is similar to what Australia did after facing a similar crisis, promoting a safer work environment for their countertop workers.
At a recent congressional hearing, criticism arose over a proposed bill that many see as a way to shield companies from accountability. Rep. Hank Johnson pointed out the troubling connection between political contributions and the legislative response to the crisis, suggesting that the legislation could benefit those who profit while workers suffer.
The situation has created a storm of lawsuits—for both manufacturers and distributors. Gary Talwar, a distributor, expressed concern about being overwhelmed with legal challenges, despite not being directly involved in cutting or polishing stone. “We’re just being hammered,” he lamented.
With limited workplace inspectors and increasing funding cuts for safety programs, it seems that accountability is lacking. Michaels warns, “This legislation could lead to more silicosis cases, more deaths.” The urgent need for action in protecting workers remains clear, highlighting the importance of balancing business interests with health and safety.
