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2026-08-20 17:08 UTC → 2026-09-03 03:24 UTC ·
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Reports have documented a significant A growing silicosis epidemic has been documented among workers fabricating engineered-stone countertops countertops, particularly in California. The disease is disease, caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, which is prevalent in materials like quartz that can contain more than 90 up to 95 percent crystalline silica. Data Recent reports covering the period from January 2019 through June 2024 2026 identified 592 diagnosed cases. The demographic impact is heavily concentrated among men, with 591 of the diagnosed men (591 cases) and Latino workers being male, (580 cases). The health crisis has resulted in 31 deaths and 580 being Latino. Among those who died, the median age was 52. While 65 workers previously received lung transplants, updated reports indicate that with 138 workers were referred for lung 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 to the rising health crisis, response, regulators in the United Kingdom and the United States are taking action. In the UK, the The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new guidance warning against dry cutting engineered stone, stone following more than 50 confirmed cases and four deaths. Some experts have compared the situation to the asbestos crisis, with calls for a total ban similar to policies in Australia. In the United States, California regulators are moving toward a ban on engineered stone products containing more than 1 percent crystalline silica. This follows the surge in cases among stone fabrication workers. Because engineered stone can contain up The industry is also facing significant legal liabilities. Recent jury verdicts have ranged from $7.1 million to 95 percent crystalline silica—significantly higher than $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 10–45 percent typically found in natural granite—the high concentration can lead issue to hazardous airborne levels during routine cutting and polishing. insufficient enforcement of existing OSHA regulations rather than product defects.