"Fatal Disease Plagues California Countertop Workers"
Workers in California's countertop industry, particularly Latino immigrants, are being afflicted by silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica particles while cutting and grinding stone. The popularity of engineered stone countertops, which contain higher concentrations of silica, has led to a surge in cases among younger workers. Many have died in their 30s, and some have suffered severe scarring in their lungs before being diagnosed. Los Angeles County has been hit hard, with 60 out of 83 cases identified since 2019. Efforts are underway to improve workplace safety and potentially ban the sale of silica engineered stone. However, industry groups argue for better enforcement of existing safety measures, while advocates call for additional protections and a ban on the product.