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.

New York Health Advisory Warns of Rising Artificial Stone Silicosis Cases Across the U.S.

Artificial stone countertop fabrication worker exposed to respirable silica dust during cutting and polishing operations in California.

California Silicosis Epidemic Linked to Artificial Stone Countertop Fabrication Reaches Over 630 Confirmed Cases

September 8, 2026

A hand holds up a chest X-ray film against the light in a medical setting, revealing the shoulder bones, ribs, and lungs—an important step in diagnosing conditions like silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

Silicosis Verdicts Shine a Spotlight on Artificial Stone Risks

September 3, 2026

September 4, 2026

California: The Epicenter of a Growing Public Health Crisis

California has documented the largest number of artificial stone-related silicosis cases in the United States. According to data cited in the New York advisory, approximately 25% of California's reported artificial stone silicosis cases since 2019 required evaluation for lung transplantation, while roughly 5% have resulted in death.

Even more alarming is the age of many affected workers. The median age of death reported in California cases was just 52 years old.

Researchers and public health officials have spent years documenting an outbreak among countertop fabricators who developed severe respiratory disease after working with artificial stone products used in kitchens and bathrooms. Those cases helped reveal what is now recognized as an emerging nationwide epidemic.

Today, similar warnings are being issued in states across the country as physicians identify additional cases among countertop workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust.

Why Artificial Stone Presents a Unique Danger

Artificial stone, also referred to as engineered stone, manufactured stone or quartz countertops, contains more than 90% crystalline silica, significantly higher than natural granite.

In addition to its exceptionally high silica content, artificial stone fabrication processes such as cutting, grinding, polishing, and finishing releases large amounts of airborne dust containing nano sized silica particles. The particles also contain ~10% highly toxic components, such as dyes, resins, and heavy metals. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, where they cause permanent scarring and progressive lung disease.

Medical experts have found that workers exposed to artificial stone dust through the fabrication of artificial stone slabs often develop disease more rapidly than workers exposed to other forms of silica dust.

Understanding Accelerated Silicosis

Silicosis is an irreversible occupational lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust.

While traditional silicosis may take decades to develop, accelerated silicosis can occur within five to ten years of exposure and progresses rapidly.

According to New York health officials, affected workers can deteriorate to the point of requiring a lung transplant or experiencing premature death.

There is currently no cure for silicosis. Treatment generally focuses on symptom management, preventing further exposure, treating related conditions, and in severe cases, evaluating candidates for lung transplantation.

Symptoms Healthcare Providers Should Recognize

The New York advisory urges clinicians to consider silicosis when evaluating patients with a history of artificial stone work, construction, mining, or blasting.

Common silicosis symptoms include:

Persistent cough

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Fatigue

Reduced exercise tolerance

Respiratory distress

Healthcare providers are also encouraged to investigate possible silica exposure when patients present with:

Restrictive lung disease

Pulmonary fibrosis

Tuberculosis

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections

Abnormal chest imaging findings

Reduced lung function measurements

Occupational History Is Critical

One of the most important messages contained in the New York advisory is the need for healthcare providers to obtain a detailed occupational history.

Diagnosis delays have occurred nationwide because many patients were initially evaluated for infectious or other respiratory conditions without anyone asking about their work history.

Clinicians are encouraged to document:

Current and previous occupations

Job duties involving cutting or grinding artificial stone

Duration of exposure

Worksite dust conditions

Respirator use

Other protective equipment

New York officials noted that some workers may hesitate to disclose occupational exposure due to concerns about employment, retaliation, or immigration consequences. Providers are encouraged to reassure patients about confidentiality and access to care.

Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation

When silicosis is suspected, healthcare providers should consider:

Pulmonary function testing (spirometry)

High-resolution CT (HRCT) scans

Chest X-rays

Occupational medicine consultation

Pulmonology referral

The advisory notes that chest X-rays can miss smaller nodules, making HRCT imaging the preferred evaluation tool.

Providers should also screen for other conditions commonly associated with silica exposure, including:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Autoimmune diseases

Tuberculosis

Chronic kidney disease

The National Trend Is Difficult to Ignore

For years, California health authorities sounded alarms about the dangers posed by artificial stone fabrication. Now New York's advisory adds to a growing list of warnings from public health agencies and medical organizations nationwide.

The appearance of confirmed and suspected cases in multiple states demonstrates that this is not a localized problem. As artificial stone countertops became increasingly popular across the United States, silica exposure risks traveled with them.

The New York advisory serves as another indication that physicians, workers, and policymakers can no longer view artificial stone silicosis as a regional issue. It has become a national occupational health concern.

What Workers and Families Should Know

Workers who have spent time fabricating, cutting, grinding, or installing artificial stone countertops and are experiencing respiratory symptoms should seek medical evaluation promptly.

Early recognition may help improve care planning and reduce delays in diagnosis.

Individuals diagnosed with silicosis may also have legal rights related to workers' compensation benefits and other remedies depending on the circumstances of their exposure.

Because the disease can progress even after exposure ends, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and preserving medical documentation is critically important.

Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed with Silicosis After Working with Artificial Stone?

The attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP have represented workers and families affected by occupational lung diseases for decades. If you or someone you love worked with artificial stone countertops and has been diagnosed with silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or a related respiratory condition, our accomplished legal team can help you understand your rights and available legal options.

Contact Brayton Purcell LLP today for a confidential case evaluation.

Call (844) 768-0794

FAQs

1What is artificial stone silicosis?

Artificial stone silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust generated during the fabrication, cutting, grinding, or polishing of artificial stone products, commonly used for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

2How long does it take for artificial stone silicosis to develop?

Unlike traditional silicosis, which may take decades to appear, accelerated silicosis associated with artificial stone exposure can develop within five to ten years, or even just a few months of heavy exposure.

3What are the first signs of silicosis?

Common early symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, and reduced exercise capacity.

4Can silicosis be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for silicosis. Medical treatment focuses on symptom management, reducing further exposure, monitoring disease progression, and treating associated conditions.

5Why is California considered the epicenter of the epidemic?

California has reported the largest number of artificial stone silicosis cases in the United States and was among the first states to identify the severe risks associated with modern artificial stone fabrication.

6Are cases now being reported outside California?

Yes. New York's September 2026 health advisory confirms suspected cases and a recent death linked to artificial stone exposure. Additional cases have been documented in multiple states, reflecting a broader national trend.

7Why is occupational history so important?

Silicosis can resemble other respiratory illnesses. A detailed work history often provides the critical information necessary for physicians to recognize silica exposure and make an accurate diagnosis.