Hundreds of Deadly Silicosis Cases Identified in California Quartz Workers
Summary
Hundreds of workers in California who make engineered-stone countertops have been diagnosed with silicosis, a serious lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. Many workers have died or needed lung transplants due to the rapid and severe progression of the disease, especially among younger Latino men.Key Facts
- There are 618 confirmed silicosis cases and 32 deaths among California countertop workers exposed to silica dust.
- An analysis found that 11% of these workers had lung transplants, and 23% were waiting for one.
- The average age at diagnosis is 46, and the average age at death among those who died is 52.
- Most workers had about 22 years of exposure to silica dust during their jobs.
- Almost all affected workers (591 out of 592) are men, and 98% are Latino.
- Silicosis is caused by inhaling tiny silica dust particles released when cutting or polishing engineered stone.
- The disease causes breathing problems and lung damage that cannot be reversed.
- California reported its first case in 2019 and has since expanded efforts to track and identify affected workers.
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