Experts are warning that the use of artificial stone slabs for countertops during home renovation may contribute to an emerging health risk that many people may not be familiar with – silicosis.
According to a joint investigation carried out by the NBC4 I-Team and Telemundo 52 Investiga, the primary victims of irreversible lung damage caused by cutting engineered stone are workers. This condition is characterized by severe damage to the lungs.
Recalling his symptoms, Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez, who had been diagnosed with Silicosis, shared his experience.
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“He described his first sign as a dry cough.”
During the COVID pandemic, Reyes-Gonzalez underwent several hospitalizations where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. However, it was later discovered that the true cause of his illness was something else altogether.
Wendy Torres, his wife, expressed how devastating it was.
Gustavo, who was just 30 years old, required a lung transplant in order to stay alive.
According to health experts, exposure to silica dust during the cutting, sawing, or crushing of stone countertops, particularly engineered stone, which can have as much as 99% silica, can lead to the development of silicosis.
As of June 10, the California Department of Public Health has confirmed 154 cases linked to engineered stone, resulting in at least 13 deaths. Los Angeles County alone has reported 92 cases.
According to Dr. Jane Fazio, a pulmonary specialist at Olive View Medical Center UCLA in the San Fernando Valley, the cases of silicosis have been increasing in conjunction with the popularity of engineered countertops over the past decade. In her study on silicosis, she sheds light on this growing concern.
As per her statement, it has transformed into a growing health crisis.
Latino men are more susceptible to the disease as they are more likely to work with synthetic stone during kitchen remodels.
Local authorities must take action as Dr. Fazio has cautioned that there will be an increase in cases.
Lindsay Horvath, a Los Angeles County Supervisor, took charge of the initiative to assign funds for safeguarding the workers through education and regulatory enforcement.
Cal OSHA has introduced new temporary emergency standards that mandate the use of water and specific respirators for employees at countertop cutting businesses in California. It’s important to note that while these standards are currently in effect, permanent rules are still pending.
After his lung transplant, Gustavo has become dependent on 15 medications every day. Despite this, he and his wife Wendy, value their time spent together and cherish every moment.
Gustavo is currently engaged in a legal dispute with more than 40 manufacturers of artificial stone. He has accused them of negligence and product liability. However, in the court documents, the companies have disputed these allegations.
