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Safer Alternatives to Artificial Stone Countertops: Reducing Silica Exposure While Preserving Design
July 2, 2026
Silicosis is an increasing occupational health epidemic in California, causing illness, lung transplants, and deaths among relatively young Latino engineered stone workers. Flattery et al examined silicosis cases in workers linked to artificial stone (or quartz) countertop fabrication, further confirming this growing epidemic.
Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica. This study looked at artificial stone workers where exposure was caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust during work activities such as stone cutting and polishing. Flattery et al set out to identify silicosis severity, trends, at-risk groups, and surveillance effectiveness throughout California.
By combining healthcare provider reports, hospital and public health data, and workplace investigations, the authors found that 243 out of 296 confirmed silicosis cases were linked to artificial stone exposure. These cases were primarily younger, male, Latino, and Los Angeles County residents. There were 15 deaths, 60 patients that needed lung transplants, and 30 patients that received a lung transplant. Non-artificial stone workers with confirmed silicosis were older (median 65 years compared to 46 years among artificial stone workers), with silica exposure from non-countertop fabrication industries (e.g. sandblasting), consistent with prior studies of traditional chronic occupational silicosis. This research highlighted the need for multi-source surveillance to fully capture the burden of silicosis.
If you or someone you know has worked in the fabrication or installation of artificial stone or has been diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Brayton Purcell LLP has represented toxicexposure victims for more than 40 years, including workers harmed by asbestos and silica.
Contact Brayton Purcell LLP to understand your legal options and get support from a team deeply experienced in occupational disease litigation.
Your health, your rights, and your future deserve protection.