PRESS RELEASE–California’s Artificial Stone Fabrication Workers Face a Silicosis Epidemic
April 11, 2025
Understanding the Three Types of Silicosis
April 22, 2025
What Is Silicosis and Why Should Workers Be Concerned?
Silicosis is a dangerous, long-term lung disease that is tragically common among workers exposed to silica dust. Often found in professions such as mining, stone cutting, sandblasting, and artificial stone countertop fabrication, silicosis develops when tiny particles of crystalline silica are inhaled over time. These particles become lodged in the lungs, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and long-term respiratory complications.
What makes silicosis particularly dangerous is that symptoms may not appear for years—even decades—after initial exposure, making the disease especially dangerous for many workers. However, for those who fabricate artificial stone, silicosis can develop much more quickly—sometimes after just a few months on the job—due to exceptionally high levels of silica exposure in this industry. Many workers are unaware of their condition until it has progressed significantly, and unfortunately, some families only discover the cause of death after it’s too late.
“Silicosis is the most prevalent pneumoconiosis worldwide. It is a fibrotic lung disease that usually occurs after the chronic inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (silicon dioxide, SIO₂) by workers in mining, quarrying, or sandblasting. Although documented as early as ancient Egypt, the 1930 international Johannesburg Conference on Silicosis produced the first general scientific consensus opinion regarding the disease.”
— Fazio JC, Viragh K, Houlroyd J, Gandhi SA, Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2025; 20(1):9, p.2.
Who Is Most at Risk for Silicosis?
Silicosis primarily affects individuals working in industries that involve the cutting, grinding, or blasting of stone and materials containing silica. High-risk jobs include:
-
Countertop fabrication and installation (especially with artificial stone)
-
Mining and tunneling
-
Sandblasting and abrasive blasting
-
Foundry work and construction
-
Ceramics and glass manufacturing
Many of the affected workers in the U.S. may also face barriers to care. Some are undocumented and afraid to seek medical attention due to immigration concerns. But all of this assumes the worker even seeks medical care in the first place—something many avoid until symptoms are severe.
What Are the Symptoms of Silicosis?
Silicosis symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually worsen over time. Common signs include:
-
Chronic coughing
-
Shortness of breath
-
Fatigue and chest pain
-
Difficulty breathing with exertion
-
Increased risk of lung infections, including tuberculosis
If you’ve worked in a high-risk environment and experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to speak with a medical provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help in the prevention of further damage—and early legal action can protect your rights.
Can Silicosis Lead to a Legal Claim?
Absolutely. Silicosis is a preventable disease, yet the manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs allegedly continue to supply materials that expose workers to dangerously high levels of silica—even when advanced ventilation systems, protective equipment, and wet sawing practices are in place. When workers develop silicosis despite following safety protocols, the fault lies not with their employers, but with the companies that allegedly produce and market these hazardous materials. If you've been exposed and diagnosed, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Compensation can help cover:
-
Medical expenses
-
Lost wages
-
Long-term care
-
Pain and emotional distress
In some cases, family members may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies due to occupational silicosis.
Call Brayton Purcell LLP Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with silicosis after workplace exposure, you are not alone—and you may be entitled to compensation. At Brayton Purcell LLP, we have decades of experience representing workers who suffer from occupational diseases like asbestos-related cancers and artificial stone silica exposure injuries.
Our legal team understands how these cases work and can guide you through every step of the legal process with care, expertise, and dedication. We don’t charge unless we win your case.
Call Brayton Purcell LLP at (800) 598-0314 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Conclusion: Silicosis Is Preventable, But Often Overlooked
Silicosis is a serious condition with lifelong consequences. The tragedy is that it’s preventable, yet workers continue to be exposed due to manufacturer negligence. If you’ve been affected, don’t wait to seek help—both medical and legal.
Brayton Purcell LLP is here to fight for your rights, your health, and your future.