Congress Takes on Silicosis

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WASHINGTON – The issue of silicosis has hit the halls of Congress with a new bill seeking education and treatment about silicosis.

On Oct. 13, H.R. 10798, the Silicosis Prevention and Treatment Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives and then referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), would create a federal grant program to help healthcare facilities educate the public about silicosis and provide prevention and treatment measures for those affected.

The act creates a grant program to award healthcare providers with federal funding to:

  • Conduct outreach and education to increase awareness of silicosis;
  • Provide screening, diagnosis and treatment of silicosis;
  • Develop education programs for patients, family, members, and workers in industries heavily impacted by silicosis, and;
  • Offer pulmonary rehabilitation and other patient care and coordination

The proposed legislation would fund all efforts with a $10 million annual appropriation through the federal fiscal years of 2027-2031.

Correa’s district is home to the Tile Mile in Anaheim, where workers cut and fabricate manufactured stone countertops, a process that releases silica dust. Orange County, Calif., accounts for more than 135 of the state’s more than 660 confirmed silicosis cases.

“No worker should lose their ability to breathe because of the job they do to support their family,” Correa said. “This bill puts resources into the hands of the clinics and hospitals that treat these workers, so they get the care they need before it’s too late.”

Dexter, a pulmonologist, says it’s critical that those who are most at risk for the disease are educated as to their risks.

“The Silicosis Prevention and Treatment Act will increase funding for healthcare facilities to disseminate information and raise awareness about this progressive lung disease,” she said. “We must protect the people whose hard work builds our communities.”

Approximately 2.3 million people are exposed to silica on the job, including in construction and mining, as well as stone fabrication.

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