Silicosis cases are rising alarmingly within California’s countertop fabrication industry, prompting urgent warnings from medical and occupational safety experts. The current regulations are deemed insufficient to safeguard many young workers from this incurable lung disease. Experts advocate for immediate action to phase out hazardous engineered stone, similar to measures taken in Australia, to avert a worsening health crisis.
Engineered stone prevalent in the U.S. often contains over 90% pulverized crystalline silica, a significantly higher concentration than natural stones like marble and granite. Workers involved in cutting, polishing, and grinding these materials are exposed to fine silica particles which, when inhaled, can settle in the lungs, leading to tissue scarring and severe respiratory issues. Additionally, exposure to respirable silica is a known risk factor for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, between 1,000 and 1,500 stoneworkers in the state could develop silicosis in the next decade, resulting in approximately 285 fatalities. The state’s workforce in countertop fabrication comprises about 5,000 individuals, predominantly Latino immigrants.
One affected worker, a 43-year-old father of four, now relies on an oxygen supply machine after years of exposure to engineered stone. He awaits a double lung transplant, unable to support his family or perform daily tasks without struggling to breathe. Tragically, two of his former colleagues have already succumbed to the disease, while three others are on transplant waiting lists.
Lopez, who wishes to remain anonymous due to his undocumented status, expressed his despair. “It’s agonizing waiting for the hospital to call me so I can finally get the transplant I’m waiting for and be able to go back to work,” he lamented. His case highlights the dire situation workers face within this hazardous industry.
Experts stress that silicosis is preventable with proper safety and health measures. A spokesperson for Cosentino North America stated, “Silicosis is preventable when proper safety and health measures are in place to protect workers against inhalation of silica dust in the workplace.” Despite this, California has seen little improvement in worker safety since the introduction of stricter standards nearly two years ago.
In a recent draft memorandum obtained by KQED, experts proposed that the Governor’s Office consider issuing an emergency declaration to halt the processing of artificial stone until a permanent ban could be established. This document, prepared by a committee of doctors and safety experts, was never sent to the state board responsible for adopting workplace safety regulations.
The lack of response from Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s office regarding the proposed ban on engineered stone has raised concerns among worker advocates. A spokesperson for the Department of Industrial Relations noted that the memo was an incomplete draft and had not undergone official review.
Despite ongoing discussions, the agenda for the next meeting of the safety board does not include any decision-making regarding artificial stone. Maegan Ortiz, director of the Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California, criticized the slow progress in protecting stoneworkers. “We need to ban this. We’ve seen the conditions ourselves on the ground… Workers see the dust; they carry it on them,” she stated.
Since 2019, over 430 workers in California have been diagnosed with silicosis, with 25 fatalities and 48 lung transplants reported. Most cases are concentrated in Los Angeles County, where many workers were unaware of the hazards associated with artificial stone dust.
Lopez, who followed safety protocols and wore protective gear, now realizes the inadequacy of those measures. Evidence suggests that the silica particles in artificial stone dust are so fine that they can penetrate filter masks and linger on workers’ clothing and tools even after safety precautions are taken.
In Australia, where a ban on engineered stone was implemented in July 2024, manufacturers have transitioned to silica-free alternatives. This shift has not resulted in a collapse of the industry, as many companies adapted to consumer demand for safer materials. Reports indicate that Caesarstone, which generated nearly half of its $303 million revenue in the U.S. market this year, has faced over 500 claims related to silica injuries.
Medical experts, including Dr. Ryan Hoy from Monash University, emphasize the importance of effective control measures to ensure worker safety. “You can work with asbestos safely, you can work with uranium safely, but you need to have in place very sophisticated control measures,” he remarked.
The increasing number of silicosis cases has prompted calls for action from health professionals. Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, an assistant professor at UCSF, advocates for a phased elimination of artificial stone countertops, arguing that consumer choice should align with worker safety.
As the situation unfolds, many remain hopeful that California can learn from the experiences of other countries and implement effective measures to protect workers from this preventable disease. The urgency for change is underscored by the rising number of silicosis cases, with many workers suffering in silence as they await a resolution to a crisis that has claimed lives and left families in distress.
