Cuts to agencies aimed at protecting workers from silica dust are poised to reverse recent progress made in preventing silicosis, a serious lung condition. As a debilitating disease, silicosis has historically affected countless workers, particularly those in mines and construction. The federal government's renewed efforts over decades, especially under past administrations, have been significant. However, recent policy changes threaten to undo these advances, potentially putting workers' health and lives at risk once again.
A person who has severe silicosis has to fight for every breath. A short walk that should take just 20 minutes can take an hour.
Under the Trump administration, all that progress is going away, in but one example of the widespread destruction now taking place across the federal government.
Frances Perkins issued a report on the widespread problem across factories and mines, informing businesses that control measures, "if conscientiously adopted and applied," could prevent silicosis.
Hundreds of workers employed in mines, foundries, and at construction sites developed silicosis, and some died from it.
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