Author: sHq_LoGiNz

NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric

BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei has provided digital connectivity to 170 million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries, surpassing its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.

The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, at the company’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona. He noted that this achievement exceeds the commitment Huawei made when joining the ITU P2C Digital Coalition in 2022: to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025. Yang extended his gratitude to Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaborative efforts.

The forum brought together around 80 guests from governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the urgent need to advance digital inclusion in the AI era, exploring practical solutions and building consensus for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

In his opening speech, Yang pointed out that despite rapid AI advancements, the digital divide persists and risks widening further. “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said. The fulfillment of the ITU P2C pledge, he added, reflects Huawei’s ongoing commitment to innovation — bringing remote communities improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services through digital connectivity.

Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended Huawei’s achievements and work to bridge the digital divide. “Connecting the rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity and the effective use of communication resources as well as community engagement, and sustained investment in local capacity. I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity and I am proud of our strong and successful partnership.”

According to Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, digital inclusion rests on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital skills empowerment. To address the digital skills gap, Huawei partners with governments and organizations to support students, youth, the elderly, and women through three initiatives: expanding digital access, offering digital skills training, and developing STEM curricula.

Since its launch in 2019, Huawei’s Skills on Wheels program has brought mobile digital training to over 130,000 people in 21 countries, opening new opportunities for underserved communities.

Marina Madale, Executive of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, asserts that connectivity is not a privilege, it is foundational infrastructure for Africa’s growth. In alignment with Jeff Wang, she noted that MTN is prioritizing expanding rural connectivity, driving device affordability and building digital and AI-ready skills.

In rural network innovation, Huawei has continuously upgraded its Rural Series solutions since 2017 to improve affordability and deployment efficiency. Launched in November 2025, Huawei RuralCow extends coverage to villages of around 1,500 residents with the support from MTN Nigeria. These solutions have helped achieve the target of connecting 170 million people while boosting local economies and enabling wider access to digital public services.

During the forum, guests shared progress from their collaboration with Huawei and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation. All participants agreed that advancing digital inclusion in the AI era requires joint efforts from governments, operators, international organizations, and enterprises.

Going forward, Huawei will continue to drive innovation in rural network technologies, deepen open collaboration, and accelerate digital skills empowerment. Through concrete actions, the company will keep contributing to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-exceeds-itu-partner2connect-pledge-target-bringing-connectivity-to-170-million-people-globally-302703302.html

SOURCE Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd