# Silicosis epidemic and regulatory responses to engineered-石

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/silicosis-epidemic-among-quartz-countertop-workers
> Updated: 2026-09-01T11:55:13.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 4.

A growing silicosis epidemic has been documented among workers fabricating engineered-stone countertops, particularly in California. The disease, caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, is prevalent in materials like quartz that can contain up to 95 percent crystalline silica. 

Recent reports covering January 2019 through June 2026 identified 592 diagnosed cases. The demographic impact is heavily concentrated among men (591 cases) and Latino workers (580 cases). The health crisis has resulted in 31 deaths and 65 lung transplants, with 138 workers referred for transplants. Researchers note that patients are being diagnosed at relatively young ages following short periods of exposure, with many cases progressing rapidly. One report noted a median diagnosis age of 46.

In response, regulators in the United Kingdom and the United States are taking action. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance against dry cutting engineered stone following more than 50 confirmed cases and four deaths. In the United States, California regulators are moving toward a ban on engineered stone products containing more than 1 percent crystalline silica.

The industry is also facing significant legal liabilities. Recent jury verdicts have ranged from $7.1 million to $52.4 million, including a finding of negligence and design defects against manufacturer Daltile. While litigators argue manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings, industry representatives, such as Cambria, have attributed the issue to insufficient enforcement of existing OSHA regulations rather than product defects.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Silicosis cases rise among engineered stone workers

California researchers have confirmed 592 cases of silicosis among engineered stone workers, leading to massive legal verdicts and highlighting the rapid, fatal risks of quartz countertop fabrication.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/silicosis-cases-rise-among-engineered-stone-workers

### 2026-08-20: Regulators move to curb silicosis risks from engineered stone

Regulators in the UK and California are implementing new rules or bans on engineered stone to combat a surge in silicosis, an irreversible lung disease caused by high silica dust exposure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regulators-move-to-curb-silicosis-risks-from-engineered-stone

### 2026-08-15: California workers face rising silicosis risk from quartz countertops

A report reveals a surge in silicosis cases among California countertop workers, with 592 diagnoses and 31 deaths linked to inhaling hazardous dust from engineered stone fabrication.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-workers-face-rising-silicosis-risk-from-quartz-countertops

### 2026-08-13: Silicosis epidemic rising among quartz countertop workers

A new report identifies a rising silicosis epidemic among California quartz countertop workers, documenting 592 cases, 65 lung transplants, and 31 deaths due to crystalline silica dust exposure.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/silicosis-epidemic-rising-among-quartz-countertop-workers

---
Cite as: Silicosis epidemic and regulatory responses to engineered-石. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/silicosis-epidemic-among-quartz-countertop-workers