Cases of silicosis are rapidly increasing among workers in California’s countertop fabrication industry, prompting medical and occupational safety experts to call for immediate regulatory changes. They emphasize that existing measures are insufficient to protect hundreds of relatively young workers from this incurable disease. Urgent action is required to phase out hazardous engineered stone from fabrication shops, similar to the actions taken by Australia.
Engineered stone products commonly sold in the United States contain over 90% pulverized crystalline silica, significantly more than natural stones like marble and granite. During processes such as cutting, polishing, and grinding, fine silica particles become airborne. Once inhaled, these particles can embed in the lungs, causing tissue scarring that progressively impairs breathing. Prolonged exposure may also lead to more severe conditions, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Rising Health Crisis in the Industry
According to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 stoneworkers in the state may develop silicosis over the next decade, resulting in approximately 285 deaths. This alarming statistic highlights the vulnerability of California’s 5,000 countertop fabrication workers, many of whom are Latino immigrants.
One such worker, a 43-year-old father of four, now relies on an oxygen machine as he awaits a double lung transplant. Having worked with engineered stone for years, he can no longer support his family or walk without stopping to catch his breath. Tragically, two of his colleagues have already succumbed to health issues related to this material.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by a September 4 memorandum obtained by KQED, which suggested that the Governor’s Office could issue an emergency declaration to halt the processing of artificial stone. This step would be a temporary measure until a permanent ban could be enacted through regulatory processes. However, the response from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office remains unclear, as they did not comment on the proposed ban.
Industry Response and Regulatory Gaps
Despite the growing number of silicosis cases, manufacturers of engineered stone maintain that their products are safe if proper protocols are followed. Cosentino North America stated, “Silicosis is preventable when proper safety and health measures are in place to protect workers against inhalation of silica dust.” Yet, many workers, like the aforementioned father, believed they were adhering to safety protocols, including wearing masks and utilizing water in cutting processes to suppress dust. Evidence suggests, however, that fine silica particles can still evade these protections.
Since 2019, over 430 California workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, with 25 fatalities and 48 lung transplants reported. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Los Angeles County, with most affected individuals being Latino men, some as young as their twenties. Many of these workers were unaware of the risks associated with artificial stone dust.
Dr. Ryan Hoy, a respiratory physician at Monash University in Australia, noted that the situation in California mirrors challenges faced in his country, where similar health risks prompted a ban on engineered stone. He expressed concern that without significant changes, the number of silicosis cases will continue to rise, stating, “Unfortunately, that is definitely the tip of the iceberg of workers that are currently affected.”
Experts like Dr. Hayley Barnes, a pulmonologist and medical director at UCSF, argue for a phased ban on artificial stone countertops in California. They advocate for the adoption of safer alternatives, emphasizing that other countries have successfully transitioned to low-silica products without suffering economic downturns.
As the health crisis unfolds, many workers and their families are left to cope with the debilitating effects of silicosis. With limited financial support and growing medical costs, the urgency for regulatory reforms and industry accountability has never been more critical. The situation calls for a comprehensive strategy to protect workers and ensure that public health takes precedence over profit.
