"At a meeting this week of the state board that adopts workplace safety rules, they failed to take up the idea of implementing new rules or regulations for workers who cut engineered stone. Silicosis cases are surging in California's countertop fabrication industry. The often deadly lung disease is linked to inhaling toxic dust. Medical and occupational safety experts warn that current regulations won't protect hundreds more relatively young workers."
"Artificial stone in the U.S. market often contains more than 90% pulverized crystalline silica, far more than natural stones such as marble and granite. When workers powercut, polish and grind slabs of the material, tiny silica particles are released. If inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause tissue scarring that progressively impedes breathing. Respirable silica can also lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other illnesses."
California has 60,000 black bears, and as more homes are built in forested areas, encounters are increasing. The department plans to euthanize Hope if they are able to safely capture her; her cub Bounce would be taken in and rehabilitated. A state board failed to consider implementing new rules for workers who cut engineered stone. Silicosis cases are surging in the countertop fabrication industry, linked to inhaling toxic silica dust. Between 1,000 and 1,500 stoneworkers could develop silicosis within a decade, causing roughly 285 deaths. Artificial stone often contains over 90% crystalline silica, releasing respirable particles during cutting that cause severe lung disease. East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell announced a 2026 gubernatorial campaign, promising to lower prices and raise wages.
Read at Kqed
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]