The modern silicosis crisis
Silicosis (the disease discussed at length in today's episode) is still a problem today in the manufacturing of the artificial/synthetic stone countertops commonly found in kitchens. High silica quartz is bound with resin to make the slabs, which are then cut by workers (predominantly young Latino men where I am in California) without adequate respirators or wet sanding.
Some California regulators are trying to tighten workplace safety regulations, while Los Angeles County supervisors are exploring a ban. Calling lawmakers might be a viable approach for this issue if they're not being paid off by the countertop industry. At the very least it couldn't hurt. I'm personally skeptical of more regulations just because the current ones aren't being followed and am thinking a ban on the material might be the best option for our current situation, but I'm also not as familiar with this kind of policy and the mechanisms that have worked to enforce it. I would definitely recommend exploring other countertop options if you're remodeling your kitchen!
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-24/silicosis-countertop-workers-engineered-stone