Silicosis and the Quartz Industry: A New Chapter or a Temporary Fix?

In September 2025, Business of Home published a sobering look at the artificial stone industry’s reckoning with accelerated silicosis—a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling nano-sized particles of crystalline silica and other toxins in traditional artificial stone. The article, “Is low-silica stone the path forward for the quartz industry?” spotlights the aftermath of a landmark $52 million verdict awarded to Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, a 34-year-old artificial stone fabricator who required a double lung transplant after years of exposure to toxic crystalline silica and other toxins in artificial stone.

A Shift in Materials—But Is It Enough?

Following the Reyes Gonzalez case and Australia’s nationwide ban on artificial stone, major manufacturers like Caesarstone and Cosentino have introduced “low-“ and so-called “zero-silica” alternatives. According to their advertising, Caesarstone’s new “Icon” line contains less than 1% crystalline silica, while Cosentino’s Q0 surface boasts recycled content and claimed minimal silica levels.

As of this week, California’s Department of Public Health has recorded 391 silicosis cases and 22 deaths linked to artificial stone in California alone. The median age of diagnosis is just 46. These are not isolated incidents—they are a public health crisis.

Silicosis Crisis: H.R.5437 Puts Workers at Risk

CDPH screenshot of document of Countertop Fabrication Operations in CA

CDPH Dashboard Confirms Silicosis Epidemic in California Fabrication Shops

January 15, 2026

H.R.5437 and the Crystalline Silica Artificial Stone Crisis: Why Accountability Matters

January 19, 2026

January 16, 2026

What Is H.R.5437 and What Would It Do?

H.R.5437 seeks to shield the mostly foreign manufacturers and distributors of stone slabs from federal and state civil litigation—even for pending cases. Critics argue this would:

Remove accountability for hazardous products.
Eliminate compensation options for workers suffering from silicosis.
Undermine incentives for safer industry practices.

Understanding the Silicosis Epidemic

Crystalline silica artificial stone—also referred to as engineered or manufactured stone—contains at least 90% crystalline silica, along with resins that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic metals. Cutting, grinding, and polishing these slabs releases nano-sized respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and other toxic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, causing accelerated silicosis.

Key Statistics (as of January 2026)

Nearly 500 cases of silicosis have been reported in California alone, with 27 deaths and 52 lung transplants as of January 2026.
This is not a problem limited to so called “few bad actor shops”. As of January 2026, 52% of countertop fabrication shops in California have confirmed cases of artificial stone silicosis.
Many affected workers are young, and employed in small fabrication shops with limited resources.
Silicosis is incurable and fatal; prevention through the banning of crystalline silica artificial stone is the only effective intervention.

Hearing Highlights and Expert Testimony

Dr. David Michaels, Former OSHA Assistant Secretary

“Silicosis is a devastating, deadly, and thoroughly preventable disease. The artificial stone fabrication industry is one of the most hazardous of all industries where workers are exposed to silica dust.”

Michaels warned that passing H.R.5437 would “result in more disease and death”, as lawsuits are the most effective mechanism to push manufacturers toward safer alternatives. He noted:

Australia banned artificial stone containing crystalline silica in 2024 after failed attempts to make fabrication safe.
Safer substitutes such as recycled glass exist and are already sold in Australia without job loss and are even already sold in the U.S. along-side the uniquely toxic crystalline silica artificial stone.
OSHA lacks resources to enforce silica standards effectively; inspections are rare, and penalties minimal.

Labor Unions Speak Out: AFL-CIO Position

The AFL-CIO strongly opposes H.R.5437:

“This bill would shield manufacturers and sellers of all stone slabs from accountability for a dangerous product by granting them immunity—even for pending cases.”

The union emphasized that legal action is the only source of compensation for medical treatment and accountability for workers, many of whom are immigrants and people of color.

Medical Concensus: Artificial Stone is Inherently Unsafe

Dr. Jane Fazio and Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi wrote:

“Artificial stone cannot be fabricated safely. These products contain extremely high concentrations of crystalline silica—often exceeding 90%. Even with modern dust controls, cutting, grinding, and polishing artificial stone releases respirable silica at levels that overwhelm existing engineering and personal protective measures.”

They stressed that silicosis is incurable and prevention requires eliminating hazardous products—not shielding foreign manufacturers from liability.

Economic and Ethical Consequences of H.R.5437

Opponents argue the bill:

Protects foreign manufacturers (who supply 99% of the crystalline silica artificial stone in the U.S.) at the expense of U.S. workers.
Ignores the predictable and well-documented “uniquely toxic” hazards of crystalline silica artificial stone fabrication.
Undermines incentives for industry innovation toward safer materials.

Global Perspective: Australia’s Proactive Ban

Australia’s ban on artificial stone containing crystalline silica demonstrates that:

Safer alternatives such as recycled glass already exist and are commercially viable.
Prohibition can protect workers without harming jobs or businesses.
The U.S. will fail in addressing a public health crisis if H.R.5437 passes.

A Preventable Crisis Made Worse for Immunity

The hearing underscored a stark reality: silicosis is preventable, yet hundreds of workers are suffering and dying because they’ve been exposed to deadly nano-sized crystalline silica particles coated in toxic metals and resins through the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone slabs.

H.R.5437 would not solve this crisis—it would exacerbate it by removing accountability. As lawmakers weigh this legislation, the voices of affected workers, medical experts, and labor advocates demand urgent attention to health, safety, and justice.

Stay informed about H.R.5437 and its implications. Support initiatives that prioritize worker health and promote safer alternatives. Share resources to raise awareness about crystalline silica artificial stone hazards and the artificial stone silicosis epidemic.

Protect Your Rights: We’re Here to Help

Have you, a family member, or a friend worked in artificial stone countertop fabrication?

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust from artificial stone can lead to silicosis—a fatal and incurable lung disease. Brayton Purcell LLP has a highly experienced legal team ready to help you understand your rights and explore available options.

Reach out to us today for more information or confidential assistance:

Phone: (800) 361-2417

Frequently Asked Questions About Crystalline Silica Artificial Stone

1What is silicosis and why is it linked to crystalline silica artificial stone?

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. Artificial stone contains extremely high nano-sized crystalline silica particles—at least 90%—along with toxic metals and resins, making safe fabrication by humans impossible.

2Why is H.R.5437 controversial?

The bill would grant immunity to manufacturers and distributors of stone slabs, 99% of whom are foreign companies, removing accountability and compensation options for U.S. workers harmed by these products.

3Are safer alternatives available?

Yes. Australia banned artificial stone containing crystalline silica in 2024, and manufacturers now offer non-toxic recycled glass amorphous silica alternatives that look and cost the same.

4Can silicosis be treated?

There is no cure for silicosis. Advanced cases may require lung transplantation which only minimally extends life, so prevention through eliminating hazardous products is the only effective solution.

5Who is most at risk?

Workers in fabrication shops cutting, grinding, and polishing crystalline silica artificial stone slabs face the highest risk due to exposure to intense nano-sized respirable crystalline particles.