What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a irreversible, progressive lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica (RCS), or silica dust—tiny particles released when materials like concrete, stone, brick, or artificial stone are cut, drilled, or ground. These particles are smaller than a grain of sand and can deeply penetrate the lungs, causing inflammation, stiffening, and scarring, resulting in severe respiratory complications.
Workers involved in concrete removal and stone fabrication are especially at risk, particularly when handling high-silica materials like engineered stone. Even low levels of repeated exposure can lead to permanent lung damage, disability, or death. Silica dust exposure is also linked to lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease. While there is no cure, silicosis is entirely preventable with proper dust control and protection.
Current number of silicosis cases in Los Angeles: 346 cases and 19 deaths. For updates of reported silicosis cases, visit the Engineered Stone Silicosis Surveillance Dashboard.
What can you do to reduce the risk of silicosis?
To protect yourself from silicosis, it's critical to follow California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on respirable crystalline silica (RCS). These legally required safety measures help reduce harmful silica dust exposure in the workplace—especially in industries like countertop fabrication and concrete removal.
- Do not dry cut: Always use a wet saw with a cover and other wet methods when cutting countertop stones to reduce the amount of dust. Wet saws can be found in stores from $150-300.
- Wear respiratory protection: Cal/OSHA requires the use of NIOSH-approved respirators, such as a tight-fitting Powered Air-Purifying Respirators(PAPR) or a respirator that provides equal or better protection, when doing tasks with high silica dust exposure. Purchase a respirator at an industrial and workplace safety store.
- Always clean using water: Cal/OSHA prohibits compressed air pressure or dry sweeping, instead, use wet sweeping and vacuums with HEPA filters to prevent silica dust from getting back into the air.
Symptoms of Silicosis
Silicosis symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, among other symptoms may resemble those of a cold, flu, asthma, or COVID-19. Symptoms may not occur until years after exposure to silica dust, and even if you are no longer exposed to silica dust, silicosis can continue to progress and may worsen over time.
If you or someone you know has symptoms, see a medical provider right away and mention any silica dust exposure at work. Employers must offer medical exams to workers exposed to high levels of silica.
Need help finding a doctor? Call 211 or visit 211LA.org.
Silicosis Awareness and Education
Our Silicosis Team is dedicated to raising awareness and educating workers, businesses, and community members about silicosis. Since the inception of our outreach program, we have actively engaged with the community Monday through Friday, spreading vital information to those who work with silica-containing materials.
We conduct outreach at various locations, including clinics, community events, schools, fabrication shops, stores, dentist offices, libraries, and laundromats. In addition, we utilize news media to broaden our reach and impact.
Our goal is to empower community members with knowledge and resources to prevent silicosis and reduce the number of cases.
Key Facts About Silicosis
Silicosis can take 10-20 years to develop, with individuals exposed to high levels of silica dust at greater risk of quicker onset. Common Sources of Crystalline Silica include; quartz, granite, marble, stones, bricks, tile, sand, concrete/cement, some plastics and various construction materials.
At-Risk Activities
Individuals can breathe in crystalline silica during several activities, including; cutting, sanding, breaking, drilling, smashing, and grinding
Resources
For more information on silicosis prevention and management, please visit our resources section or contact a healthcare professional. Stay informed, stay safe!
