Thousands of U.S. countertop workers could have damaged lungs, safety expert says
Thousands of countertop workers in the U.S. may be suffering from lung damage due to exposure to silica dust. In California, over 550 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, leading to calls for a ban on cutting high-silica quartz materials. Experts warn that many more workers across the country could be affected, as awareness and diagnosis of the disease remain low.
- ▪Wade Hanicker, a countertop worker, was diagnosed with silicosis after years of cutting quartz countertops.
- ▪California has reported over 550 cases of silicosis among countertop workers, with more than 30 deaths and over 50 lung transplants.
- ▪Experts estimate that thousands of countertop workers nationwide may have unrecognized lung damage due to silica exposure.
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NPR Science LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music RSS link Science Thousands of U.S. countertop workers could have damaged lungs, safety expert says May 18, 20266:00 AM ET Nell Greenfieldboyce Wade Hanicker poses for a portrait at his home in Brooksville, Fla., on March 23, 2026. Hanicker was diagnosed with silicosis after years of cutting quartz countertops. Tina Russell for NPR hide caption toggle caption Tina Russell for NPR Wade Hanicker lives near Tampa, Florida, and he started making countertops about 15 years ago. He used saws and other power tools to cut and polish big, heavy slabs of raw stone so that they'd fit perfectly into customers' kitchens and bathrooms, and wore simple face masks to help protect himself from any dust.
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