"As long as this dangerous material remains available and is purchased and used in California, it's inevitable that people will continue to be exposed and die,"
"There's always resistance to change. But when you've got something this dangerous out there that's literally killing people ... we've got to stop this from going up. This is not a time for small measures, frankly."
WOEMA petitioned California to ban fabrication and installation of engineered stone containing over 1% crystalline silica. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has up to six months to review the petition. Engineered stone, often called quartz or artificial stone, can contain more than 90% crystalline silica compared with much lower levels in natural stones like marble. High silica content has been linked to aggressive silicosis that disables and kills stoneworkers. The proposed ban mirrors Australia's recent nationwide prohibition. Opposition is expected from manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators. Doctors and health advocates argue only a ban will prevent further deaths.
Read at Kqed
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