California has reported nearly 600 instances of silicosis, a serious lung disease, among workers involved in making engineered-stone countertops since early 2019, based on a recent public health report.
The findings, released by the California Department of Public Health on Wednesday in NEJM Evidence, revealed that the 592 reported cases included 31 fatalities and 65 individuals who needed lung transplants.
According to the report, “Silicosis is a progressive, incurable fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica.” It emphasized that the risk among workers handling engineered stone countertops, which contain crystalline silica, has increased over the last twenty years.
The report mentioned that engineered-stone slabs, commonly known as quartz countertops, can comprise at least 90% crystalline silica. Workers face exposure during the cutting and finishing processes.
Health officials noted that the identified cases from January 2019 to June 2026 revealed concerning trends: the patients were relatively young, often had short exposure times, and experienced rapid disease progression. The median diagnosis age was 46, while those who succumbed to silicosis had a median age of 52.
Most of those diagnosed were men, with 98% being Latino, as indicated in the report.
California’s surveillance efforts broadened after detecting the first silicosis case related to countertop fabrication in 2019. This initial case involved a 32-year-old man who unfortunately passed away from respiratory failure at the age of 38.
The department noted that although California has made strides in establishing stronger silica regulations and enhanced surveillance, enforcing workplace rules remains challenging. The report pointed out, “Despite these interventions, hazardous worker exposures persist in California.” It also highlighted that the actual disease burden is likely underestimated since the surveillance system primarily relies on passive reporting of diagnosed cases. While awareness among workers and clinicians has improved, leading to more active screenings, inconsistencies and frequent misdiagnoses still occur.
