California reports 592 silicosis cases linked to stone countertops

The California Department of Public Health has reported 592 confirmed cases of silicosis linked to the handling of engineered stone, such as quartz countertops, between January 2019 and June 2026. The incurable lung disease is caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust generated during the cutting, grinding, and polishing of stone materials.

According to findings published in NEJM Evidence, the health crisis has resulted in at least 31 deaths and 65 lung transplants. The affected individuals were relatively young, with an average age of 46 at diagnosis and an average age of 52 among those who died.

While California has implemented stricter rules for silica handling and improved disease tracking, regulators face ongoing challenges in enforcing safety standards. Health officials noted that the true number of cases is likely underestimated because the current surveillance system relies on passive reporting from doctors and hospitals.