Nearly 600 workers have developed an incurable lung disease linked to cutting engineered stone countertops
Category: Health
In California, nearly 600 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, a severe and incurable lung disease, primarily linked to the manufacturing of quartz countertops. This alarming trend has resulted in 31 deaths and 65 lung transplants among affected individuals, highlighting a public health crisis that has escalated rapidly since the first case was identified in 2019.
A report released on August 12, 2026, by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) documented 592 confirmed cases of silicosis among countertop fabrication workers from January 2019 to June 2026. The majority of these cases—approximately 99%—occurred in men, with a staggering 98% of the affected individuals being Latino. The median age at diagnosis was 46 years, and the median age at death was 52, indicating that this disease is impacting relatively young workers in the industry.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, which is prevalent in engineered stone countertops that contain over 90% silica. When workers cut or grind these materials, they generate fine dust particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to a progressive scarring known as fibrosis. This condition is irreversible, and no medical treatment can remove the silica from the lungs. Symptoms include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, and the disease can also increase susceptibility to other illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders and tuberculosis.
The rapid rise in silicosis cases among California countertop workers has prompted calls for urgent regulatory and legislative action. David Michaels, a professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health and co-author of the report, emphasized the need for stronger surveillance and earlier diagnosis to protect workers. "Hundreds of workers have been sickened making quartz countertops, a product we do not need, especially when a safer alternative is available," he stated. The report urges health care practitioners to be vigilant in identifying potential cases and reporting them to public health authorities.
California has taken steps to address this crisis, including passing emergency regulations in 2025 that mandate safer work practices, such as wet cutting methods to minimize dust exposure. A new Senate Bill, the Silicosis Training, Outreach, and Prevention Act, aims to strengthen protections for workers by requiring employers to attest annually to compliance with training and safety measures. As of July 2026, the state plans to ban the fabrication of engineered stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica, which would effectively eliminate the most hazardous materials from the market.
| Year | Confirmed Cases | Deaths | Lung Transplants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 259 | 15 | - |
| 2026 | 592 | 31 | 65 |
The data reveals a dramatic increase in cases from just one reported incident in 2019 to 592 confirmed cases by mid-2026. This sharp rise in diagnoses correlates with improved surveillance and awareness among healthcare providers, but it also raises concerns about the adequacy of existing workplace safety measures.
California's health officials have acknowledged that the true number of silicosis cases is likely even higher, as many workers remain undiagnosed or receive late diagnoses. Inspections by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) have shown that a staggering 94% of the shops inspected were cited for violations related to silica exposure.
In addition to state-level actions, a bill currently under consideration in Congress, known as H.R. 5437, could significantly impact the legal recourse available to affected workers. This legislation aims to prevent civil lawsuits against manufacturers of stone slabs for injuries caused by silica dust exposure, potentially dismissing around 500 pending cases filed by sick workers. Critics argue that such a bill would remove a key incentive for manufacturers to prioritize worker safety and develop safer alternatives.
Interestingly, some manufacturers have already begun producing zero-silica alternatives in response to Australia's ban on engineered stone, which took effect in 2024. This shift suggests that safer options are available, yet they are not widely marketed in the United States, where the high-silica versions continue to dominate the market.
As California progresses with its regulatory efforts, the urgency of addressing this epidemic matters. The health and safety of thousands of workers hang in the balance, and without decisive action, the situation may worsen. The fate of H.R. 5437 could determine whether affected workers can seek justice for their suffering or if they will be left without recourse against the manufacturers whose products have caused them harm.
As the situation develops, stakeholders, including health officials, labor advocates, and lawmakers, must work together to create a safer environment for all workers in the countertop fabrication industry. The lessons learned from this growing crisis should serve as a clarion call for stronger protections and a commitment to ensuring that no worker has to sacrifice their health for their livelihood.