Webinar Panel: Silicosis in Countertop Workers in Illinois (and Elsewhere)
Date / Time
May 5, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Categories
Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica dust. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in silicosis cases among workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops.
Hear about what we know of the disease occurrence in Illinois, health effects of silica dust, how California has responded with tougher regulations and national efforts to prevent exposure in workplaces. Speakers from the Chicago Occupational Health and Safety Administration office will also speak on the inspection process and compliance of silica dust for engineered stone fabrication industries.
Dr. Robert Harrison: “From Evidence to Action: Silica Regulation in California”
Lee Friedman: “Real-Time Occupational Surveillance Data to Assist OSHA Enforcement Activities in Illinois”
Dr. Linda Forst: “Adverse Health Effects of Silica Dust”
Sukhvir Kaur and Bogdan Catalin: “OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for respirable crystalline silica; Inspection process including sampling; What’s needed to comply with the OSHA silica standard in Engineered Stone Fabrication industries, and field perspective.”
