Panel Supports Claim That Silica Exposure Caused Worker's Cancer

MADISON, Wis. - A state labor and industry review panel has determined that there exists enough data within the scientific community to support allegations by a former foundry worker that long-term silica dust exposure caused his eventually fatal lung cancer. Boncher v. Bay Engineered Castings, et al., No. 2002028116 (Wis. Labor & Ind. Rev. Comm.).

In a decision issued June 5, the Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission affirmed an administrative law judge's award of benefits to the former foundryman after determining that silica exposure caused his total disability.

The decision came after an extensive discussion of the International Agency …