California Report Links 592 Silicosis Cases to Engineered-Stone Countertops, Killing 31
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Aug 16
California Report Links 592 Silicosis Cases to Engineered-Stone Countertops, Killing 31
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Aug 16
Summary
592 California workers who cut, grind, polish or install engineered-stone countertops were confirmed with silicosis between January 2019 and June 2026, and 65 needed lung transplants.
31 workers died after inhaling fine crystalline silica dust released when engineered stone—often sold as quartz and containing more than 90% silica—is cut or shaped.
California health officials said the tally likely understates the outbreak because silicosis can develop without obvious symptoms and is often diagnosed late.
NIOSH and OSHA earlier updated a hazard alert for stone-countertop workers, recommending controls such as wet cutting, ventilation, enclosures and respiratory protection.
David Michaels, a co-author of the report, said California's cluster is likely only part of a wider U.S. problem, with potentially thousands of additional cases nationwide.