Silicosis could also be unknown to many, however for individuals who have renovated utilizing synthetic stone slabs for counter tops, that call could possibly be contributing to an rising well being threat, consultants have warned.
The situation, characterised by irreversible lung harm, primarily impacts staff who reduce synthetic stone, revealed a joint investigation by the NBC4 I-Staff and Telemundo 52 Investiga.
Gustavo Reyes-González, who was identified with silicosis, recalled his signs.
“My first symptom was a dry cough,” she described.
Reyes-Gonzalez mentioned she was initially identified with pneumonia after which found the true trigger throughout a number of hospitalizations amid the COVID pandemic.
“It was devastating,” mentioned his spouse, Wendy Torres.
At simply 30 years outdated, Gustavo wanted a lung transplant to outlive.
Silicosis outcomes from publicity to silica mud generated when reducing, sawing or grinding stone counter tops, particularly engineered stone, which may include as much as 99 p.c silica, well being consultants mentioned.
In response to the California Division of Public Well being, as of June 10, there have been 154 confirmed circumstances linked to synthetic rock, together with no less than 13 deaths, and Los Angeles County has reported 92 circumstances.
Dr. Jane Fazio, a pulmonary specialist at UCLA's Olive View Medical Middle within the San Fernando Valley, carried out a examine on silicosis and describes the rise in circumstances coinciding with the recognition of engineered counter tops over the previous decade.
“It has turn out to be an rising well being disaster,” he mentioned.
The illness disproportionately impacts Latino males, who usually tend to work with engineered stone in kitchen remodels.
Dr Fazio warned that circumstances are anticipated to rise, forcing native authorities to behave.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath led efforts to allocate funding for schooling and enforcement to guard staff.
Immediately, there are new momentary emergency guidelines from Cal OSHA that now require using water and sure respirators for workers in counter reducing companies in California, though everlasting guidelines are pending.
Gustavo, who now depends on 15 medicines a day after his lung transplant, and his spouse, Wendy, cherish the time they spend collectively.
Gustavo is presently concerned in a authorized battle towards greater than 40 synthetic stone producers, alleging negligence and product legal responsibility. In court docket paperwork, the businesses refute the allegations.