Bay Area Silicosis Crisis Tied to Artificial Stone Countertops Escalates
Event summary
- Brayton Purcell LLP responds to a San Jose Mercury News investigation highlighting the silicosis crisis among Bay Area workers fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone countertops.
- Over 500 Californians diagnosed with silicosis linked to artificial stone, with 29 deaths documented and more than 50 requiring lung transplants.
- Cal/OSHA concludes that processing crystalline silica artificial stone may be so hazardous that even properly designed engineering controls cannot prevent silicosis.
- Australia has banned the product entirely, and Spain has issued criminal convictions for failing to warn workers about artificial stone.
The big picture
The silicosis crisis among Bay Area workers highlights a broader industry trend of severe health risks associated with crystalline silica artificial stone. The strategic anomaly lies in the product's inherent toxicity, which cannot be mitigated by standard safety protocols, leading to irreversible health consequences for workers. This crisis underscores the need for stringent regulatory measures and potential bans on the material, similar to actions taken in Australia and Spain.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Response
- Whether California will follow Australia's lead in banning crystalline silica artificial stone given the severe health risks.
- Legal Precedent
- The impact of Brayton Purcell LLP's litigation strategy on future cases involving toxic exposures in the construction materials sector.
- Industry Shift
- The pace at which manufacturers will discontinue the sale and distribution of high-silica slabs in the U.S. following international actions.