June is Silicosis Awareness Month in LA County. Silicosis is an incurable occupational lung disease that often leads to disability and death. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, and in rare and severe cases, lung transplantation. It occurs when crystalline silica, a common mineral in sand, stone, and other kinds of rocks is inhaled. Silicosis has traditionally affected workers exposed to silica dust who work in construction and manufacturing, however, more recently it has been highly associated with stone countertop fabrication, cutting and finishing.

In recent years, Los Angeles County has seen a rapid increase in silicosis cases among young Latino immigrants who fabricate engineered (quartz) stone countertops. These manmade countertop materials are much higher in silica content than traditional and natural stones, which leads to higher exposures and greater probability of developing disease. Out of all the nearly 150 known cases of silicosis in California, more than 60% come from the San Fernando Valley. The north San Fernando Valley has the largest number of distributors and fabrication shops of quartz countertops in the state.

Pulmonologists at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center began identifying a growing number of patients with silicosis in 2022, which increased slowly to now over 60 local cases. The pulmonary clinic has developed a continuity of care model, where patients are treated in an outpatient setting by a continuity provider. Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Pulmonologists, Radiologists and staff have also collaborated with the California Department of Health on a research study to screen workers in countertop fabrication for silicosis, led by Dr. Jane Fazio and Dr. Nader Kamangar.  On June 4, 2024, the LA County Board of Supervisors passed the silicosis prevention and care Motion proclaiming June 2024 as Silicosis Awareness Month.