Silicosis Crisis Among Stone Workers Prompts Action in Los Angeles

Silicosis, a preventable but fatal lung disease, is taking a devastating toll on artificial stone countertop fabricators throughout the U.S., particularly in Northeast San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. In response to this growing crisis, the LA County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed June as Silicosis Awareness Month, bringing long-overdue attention to the risks of working with artificial stone.

Artificial stone silicosis is caused by inhaling high-volume nano-sized silica dust particles and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released while cutting, grinding, or polishing artificial stone slabs. (Fazio, et al., “A Review of Silicosis and Other Silica-Related Diseases in the Engineered Stone Countertop Processing Industry” Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2025, 20:9) According to the California Department of Public Health, more than 322 cases have been reported across the state. Over half of these—180—are in LA County, with 31 lung transplants and 15 deaths already recorded. (Engineered Stone Silicosis Surveillance Dashboard-CDPH https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/Pages/essdashboard.aspx)

Many affected are young Latino men in their 20s to 40s, highlighting a profound public health issue. And while awareness is increasing, many advocates say that education alone isn’t enough.

Supervisors Call for Protection and Prevention

The proclamation was championed by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda Solis, who represent communities hit hardest by the silicosis epidemic.

“We want to make sure that not only are people aware of what this disease is… but also what they can do to protect themselves,” said Horvath, “and what we are doing to protect their health and invest in treatment and care.”

Efforts already in place include a $500,000 county initiative for community outreach and education, as well as updated Cal/OSHA regulations requiring wet-cutting techniques and stronger PPE. But the question remains: Are these enough to stop the surge in cases?

Attorney James Nevin: “It’s Time to Ban Artificial Stone”

James Nevin, a partner with Brayton Purcell LLP and a national advocate for stone fabrication workers affected by silicosis, believes that more drastic action is required.

“I think that any amount of awareness helps, especially to the extent that then consumers might become aware of this epidemic,” Nevin said.
 “But a lot more needs to be done. What they really should be considering is a ban on artificial stone.” (Safe Work Australia - Decision Regulation Impact Statement - Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone - August 2023)

Artificial stone—while durable and stylish—contains at least 90% crystalline silica, much higher than natural stone. When cut or polished, it produces high-volume nano-sized silica particles and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are highly dangerous to inhale and nearly impossible to filter out—even with the most advanced protections in place.  (Fazio, et al., “A Review of Silicosis and Other Silica-Related Diseases in the Engineered Stone Countertop Processing Industry” Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2025, 20:9)

“Silica and other components of artificial stone dust… are far above the PEL [Permissible Exposure Limit],” said Nevin. (Soo, et al., “Respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica exposures among workers in stone countertop fabrication shops in Georgia from 2017 to 2023”, 2025, Annals of Work Exposures and Health)

“To pretend that if we just license and train shops, somehow we won’t have this problem, is simply ignoring the science.”

Legislators Push for Stronger Oversight

State Senator Caroline Menjivar’s STOP Act (SB 20) passed the California Senate this June with unanimous support. It calls for:

• A training and certification program for fabrication shops,
• A public database of compliant businesses, and
• Targeted outreach to prevent worker exploitation.

While these measures are seen as steps forward, Nevin and others argue that the core issue lies in the material itself.

“There’s this irrational fear among politicians that, if we ban artificial stone, then all these workers and companies are going to go out of business,” Nevin said.

“That just doesn’t reflect the factual reality… Australia has banned artificial stone, and the fabrication companies are still in business.”

The Road Ahead: Advocacy, Research, and Reform

Officials are now considering limits on the allowable silica content in stone products. Some manufacturers are marketing "low-silica" alternatives, but the health effects of these new materials are not yet fully understood.

“While I appreciate that people want to have beautiful things in their homes,” said Supervisor Horvath, “we also need to protect people’s lives and safety, and we shouldn’t be putting people in harm’s way in order to achieve that.”

Brayton Purcell LLP Stands with Silica-Exposed Workers

At Brayton Purcell LLP, our team of experienced silicosis lawyers have spent decades fighting for workers harmed by toxic exposures—especially those in trades like stone countertop fabrication, construction, and manufacturing. The rise in silicosis cases reportedly linked to artificial stone is unacceptable, and we believe in holding negligent manufacturers and distributors accountable.

Don’t Wait, Call Brayton Purcell LLP Today

If you or a loved one has worked in stone fabrication and developed lung issues, you may be entitled to compensation.
Brayton Purcell LLP offers free legal consultations and has the experience to help you pursue justice.

📞Call us today at (800) 361-2417 or 📩 Contact Us Online to speak with an experienced attorney today.

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