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.

Histone H4 Hyperacetylation: A New Prognostic Marker in Pleural Mesothelioma

A man poses with three children: a girl in a pink dress and tiara, a boy in a silver suit, and a younger girl in a yellow dress and white sweater, sitting on his knee—capturing a tender family moment untouched by concerns such as silicosis from artificial stone that have recently been highlighted by California jury verdicts.

California Jury Returns $47+ Million Verdict in Artificial Stone Silicosis Case

August 6, 2026

Two people holding and comparing rectangular samples of white artificial stone countertop material with gray veining, surrounded by more stone samples in a display drawer—a process familiar to countertop fabricators navigating the evolving landscape shaped by discussions around an artificial stone ban and rising concerns over silicosis.

California Moves Forward with Artificial Stone Ban as Silicosis Cases Rise Among Countertop Fabricators

July 30, 2026

July 31, 2026

Examining Epigenetic Changes in Mesothelioma

Researchers used mass spectrometry-based epiproteomics (or the study of post-translational modifications to proteins that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence) to analyze histone post-translational modifications in tumor samples from 96 pleural mesothelioma patients. Histones are proteins that help package DNA, and chemical changes to these proteins can influence gene activity without altering the underlying genetic code. These epigenetic changes have become an increasingly important area of cancer research.

Histone H4 Hyperacetylation Linked to Poorer Survival

The study found that patients whose tumors exhibited high levels of histone H4 hyperacetylation experienced significantly poorer survival outcomes compared with those who had lower levels. Importantly, this association remained significant regardless of established prognostic factors such as disease stage, asbestos exposure history, and BAP1 status. This suggests that histone H4 hyperacetylation may provide unique prognostic information that current clinical markers do not capture.

Treatment May Alter Histone Modification Patterns

The investigators also examined paired tumor samples collected before and after therapy, revealing that treatment can alter histone modification patterns over time. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes in mesothelioma and suggest that monitoring these changes may help researchers better understand treatment response and disease progression.

Targeting Histone Acetylation May Offer a New Treatment Strategy

Perhaps the most exciting were the study’s therapeutic findings. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that inhibiting histone acetyltransferases—enzymes responsible for adding acetyl groups to histones—reduced mesothelioma cell viability and enhanced the effectiveness of cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. These results raise the possibility that targeting aberrant histone acetylation could become a novel treatment strategy for mesothelioma patients.

Potential Implications for Mesothelioma Prognosis and Treatment

While further validation is needed, this research underscores the growing importance of epigenetic profiling in mesothelioma. Histone H4 hyperacetylation may not only help physicians identify patients at the highest risk of poor outcomes, but could also open the door to new targeted therapies aimed at improving survival for those facing this devastating disease.

Contact an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney

Continued research into mesothelioma biomarkers may improve how doctors predict patient outcomes and develop future treatment strategies. However, one fact remains unchanged: asbestos exposure is still the leading cause of mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, it is important to understand both your medical and legal options. Brayton Purcell LLP has represented asbestos exposure victims and their families for decades and can help determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact Brayton Purcell LLP today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

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FAQs

1What is histone H4 hyperacetylation?

Histone H4 hyperacetylation is an epigenetic modification involving the addition of acetyl groups to histone H4 proteins. These modifications can affect how genes are expressed without changing the DNA sequence itself.

2Why is histone H4 hyperacetylation important in mesothelioma?

Researchers found that higher levels of histone H4 hyperacetylation were associated with poorer survival outcomes in patients with pleural mesothelioma, suggesting it may serve as a valuable prognostic marker.

3Is histone H4 hyperacetylation currently used in routine mesothelioma care?

Not at this time. Although the study's findings are promising, additional research and validation are needed before histone H4 hyperacetylation can become part of standard clinical practice.

4What are epigenetic changes?

Epigenetic changes are chemical modifications that influence gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. These changes can affect how cells function and are increasingly being studied in cancer research.

5Could histone acetylation become a treatment target?

Possibly. Laboratory findings from the study showed that inhibiting histone acetyltransferases reduced mesothelioma cell viability and improved the effectiveness of cisplatin, suggesting a potential future therapeutic strategy.

6What causes pleural mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. The disease develops when asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, leading to cellular damage and, over time, cancer.

7Should mesothelioma patients consider speaking with an attorney?

Many mesothelioma cases are linked to occupational or secondary asbestos exposure. Speaking with an experienced mesothelioma attorney may help patients and families understand potential compensation options and legal deadlines.

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