LA City Council Trio Takes Aim at Lung Disease Impacting Countertop Workers

“Silicosis disproportionately affects low-income, immigrant workers in industries such as construction and manufacturing,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “By implementing robust regulations, increasing awareness of the dangers of silicosis, and supporting statewide legislation, we can mitigate the frequency of silicosis diagnosis, ensure safer working conditions and reduce health care burdens.”
According to the council members, the San Fernando Valley is a production hub for engineered stone often used for countertops and vanities.

Los Angeles County Olive View-UCLA Medical Center reported a “significant” increase of workers presenting silicosis symptoms over the past 18 months. The San Fernando Valley has been identified as a “focal point for many of these health cases as numerous stone-cutting and fabrication businesses are established in the area,” according to city officials.

Researchers from UCLA and UC San Francisco reported last year that about 52 artificial stone workers were diagnosed with silicosis in California — and of those 52 cases, 51 were Latino immigrants. Most were diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Twenty of the patients had advanced disease at diagnosis, and 10 died. Their median age was 45 years old, with an average work history of 15 years.
Pacoima Beautiful — a nonprofit located in the Northeast San Fernando Valley — and a labor union, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4, have expressed concerns over the rise of silicosis, and have taken steps to raise awareness on the dangers of silica exposure.

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Associated Program: Silicosis Outreach