Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 12
California Report Confirms 592 Silicosis Cases in Stone Workers, Including 31 Deaths and 65 Transplants
Updated
Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 12
California Report Confirms 592 Silicosis Cases in Stone Workers, Including 31 Deaths and 65 Transplants
3 articles · Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 12
Summary
592 silicosis cases tied to engineered-stone countertop work were confirmed in California through June 2026, with 31 workers dead and 65 needing lung transplants.
More than 90% silica content in engineered stone exposes workers who cut, grind and polish slabs to hazardous dust, and researchers said the disease often struck at young ages after short exposure and progressed rapidly.
A 32-year-old worker identified in January 2019 as the index case died at 38; investigators then found two more cases at the same company and five additional cases after screening 43 employees.
California tightened silica rules in 2023 after the outbreak was documented, but the report said workers remain at risk because dust-control systems are costly, overexposures can still occur, and enforcement is difficult.