California’s Proposed Ban on Artificial Stone Reflects Growing Concern Over Silicosis
June 22, 2026
Cal-OSHA Advances Efforts to Ban Fabrication and Installation of Engineered Stone
June 17, 2026
Walk into a major home improvement retailer today (Costco, Home Depot, or Lowe’s) and ordering a new countertop is remarkably simple. As Dr. Robert Harrison and Dr. David Michaels explain in their article published in The Conversation, “Quartz countertops are driving a public health crisis in the US–2 occupational health experts explain the surge of lung transplants and lawsuits."
"If you walk into a Costco, Home Depot or Lowe’s and order a countertop for your kitchen renovation, the store will likely contract with a local fabrication shop… instructing them to make one from a material called engineered stone.”
This convenience has helped fuel the rapid rise of artificial stone countertops, often marketed as “quartz.” But behind the polished surfaces and streamlined purchasing experience lies a serious and growing occupational health concern affecting workers who fabricate these products.
The Material Behind the Demand
Artificial stone, also referred to as engineered stone or manufactured stone, has become the most widely used material for kitchen countertops in the United States. It is often promoted for its durability and affordability. However, these products are composed of at least 90% crystalline silica, with the remaining portion consisting of other toxic dyes, resins, glues, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
As Dr. Harrison and Dr. Michaels note, artificial stone “is a synthetic product that contains up to 95% finely ground quartz mixed with polyester resins and pigments.”
During fabrication, when slabs are cut, ground, and polished, nano-sized crystalline silica particles are released into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they cause severe and irreversible health damage.
The Role of Big-Box Retailers
Major retailers play a central role in the widespread availability of artificial stone products. Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s continue to sell these countertops as of 2026, while IKEA stopped selling artificial stone products in 2025.
These retailers typically outsource the cutting and finishing of countertops to local fabrication shops. This structure places fabrication workers at the center of exposure risk while leaving many consumers unaware of the hazards involved in producing the material they purchase.
At the same time, alternative materials that present fewer risks, such as countertops made from crushed glass, are not always prominently marketed or widely understood by consumers.
A Severe and Irreversible Disease
Workers exposed to crystalline silica dust from artificial stone are at risk of developing silicosis, a progressive and incurable lung disease.
Dr. Harrison and Dr. Michaels report that in California alone:
- More than 550 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis linked to artificial stone
- At least 100 have undergone or are awaiting lung transplants
- At least 30 workers have died between 2019 and 2026
The disease often affects younger workers, with a median age of 46 among those diagnosed and 52 among those who have died.
Silicosis is also associated with increased risks of lung cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune conditions, creating long-term health consequences for affected individuals.
Widespread Risk Across the Workforce
Artificial stone fabrication employs an estimated 100,000 workers in the United States. Studies suggest that 20% or more of exposed workers may develop silicosis.
Many cases are believed to go undiagnosed due to limited access to specialized medical care and screening. As the authors note, “thousands more undiagnosed workers are undoubtedly suffering.”
The Scientific Reality of Fabrication
Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have shown that crystalline silica artificial stone cannot be fabricated safely by human beings, regardless of the safety measures put in place. The extremely high silica content and the release of nano-sized particles during fabrication create exposure conditions that remain hazardous despite existing controls.
This aligns with the authors’ observation that even compliance with workplace exposure standards is not enough to protect workers from the extreme toxic effects of artificial stone.
A Growing Wave of Litigation
As awareness of silica-related illness has increased, so too have legal claims. Hundreds of fabrication workers across the United States have filed lawsuits related to artificial stone exposure.
In one significant case, in which a 36-year-old worker with advanced silicosis required a double lung transplant, the jury ruled in favor of the worker in for $52+ million in damages.
These cases reflect the profound impact that respirable crystalline silica exposure can have on workers and their families.
A Global Pattern
The dangers associated with artificial stone fabrication have been observed worldwide. Thousands of cases have been reported in countries including Spain, Israel, and Australia (where the material was ultimately banned in 2024), with similar patterns emerging wherever artificial stone production has increased.
This global consistency underscores the inherent risks tied to the material and its fabrication process.
The Human Cost Behind Engineered Stone Countertops
Artificial stone countertops are widely available through major retailers and are often marketed as a practical and modern solution for homes. However, the fabrication process exposes workers to significant health risks associated with crystalline silica.
As Dr. Robert Harrison and Dr. David Michaels make clear, the continued use of these materials is associated with a growing number of serious and preventable illnesses among fabrication workers.
Contact Brayton Purcell LLP
If you or a loved one has worked with artificial stone countertops and has been diagnosed with silicosis or another silica-related illness, it is important to understand your legal rights. Brayton Purcell LLP has a team of experienced and accomplished attorneys with a long history of representing individuals affected by occupational diseases.
Contact Brayton Purcell LLP today for a confidential consultation to discuss your potential claims and available legal options.
📞 Call (800) 361-2417
Full Article Source
Read the full article by Dr. Robert Harrison and Dr. David Michaels here: