Thousands of U.S. countertop workers could have damaged lungs, safety expert says

Wade Hanicker poses for a portrait at his home in Brooksville, Fla., on March 23, 2026. Hanicker was diagnosed with silicosis after years of cutting quartz countertops. Tina Russell for NPR hide caption toggle caption Tina Russell for NPR Wade Hanicker lives near Tampa, Florida, and he started making countertops about 15 years ago. …