Abstract
Silicosis is a devastating, deadly, and thoroughly preventable disease. It literally takes your breath away. In California alone, hundreds of workers have recently been diagnosed with silicosis. At least 27 have died. 52 have undergone lung transplants. Passage of H.R.5437, “The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act,” would prohibit lawsuits against corporations that manufacture or distribute artificial stone. Lawsuits play an important role in public health protection; if lawsuits by workers with silicosis are prohibited, these manufacturers will make no effort to prevent more workers from dying or becoming disabled by silicosis. There are safe substitutes that can make equally fashionable countertops. Shifting to a substitute will result in no loss of American jobs. With new cases on the horizon, the artificial stone industry is asking Congress to prohibit all lawsuits by workers sickened by their products. They blame fabricators who don't follow OSHA's silica standard. The manufacturers know their product is being used unsafely, but do absolutely nothing to stop it. Other industries that manufacture hazardous products practice Product Stewardship. Responsible firms in high–hazard industries consider the risks faced by downstream users of their products and endeavor to limit or mitigate those risks. Passage of this misguided legislation will ensure this doesn't happen – it promises to be a death sentence for workers who fabricate these countertops in the USA.
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