A significant surge in silicosis cases among workers in California’s countertop fabrication industry has prompted urgent calls for regulatory changes. Medical and occupational safety experts warn that existing measures are inadequate to protect hundreds of relatively young workers from contracting this incurable disease. They argue that California must act swiftly to phase out hazardous engineered stone, similar to actions taken by Australia in July 2024.
Engineered stone, prevalent in the U.S. market, contains over 90% pulverized crystalline silica, a far greater concentration than natural stones like marble and granite. When workers cut, polish, and grind this material, tiny silica particles are released. Inhalation of these particles can cause severe lung damage, leading to conditions such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), between 1,000 and 1,500 stoneworkers in California could develop silicosis within the next decade, resulting in approximately 285 deaths. The state has around 5,000 countertop fabrication workers, a majority of whom are Latino immigrants.
One affected worker, a 43-year-old father of four from Pittsburg, California, is currently awaiting a double lung transplant after years of working with engineered stone. He described his situation as “desperate,” unable to support his family or walk without significant effort. Tragically, two of his colleagues have already died from silicosis, while three others are on lung transplant waitlists.
A report by KQED highlights a troubling trend, with more than 430 workers confirmed with silicosis in California since 2019, including 25 fatalities and 48 lung transplants. Many of these cases are concentrated in Los Angeles County, where nearly all affected workers are Latino men, some as young as their twenties, who were unaware of the dangers posed by artificial stone dust.
Despite the alarming statistics, the response from state authorities has been tepid. A September 4, 2023 memorandum drafted by a committee of medical professionals and worker advocates recommended an emergency declaration to halt the processing of artificial stone until a permanent ban could be established. This draft, however, was never sent. A spokesperson for the Department of Industrial Relations indicated that the memo was an incomplete working draft and not officially sanctioned by Cal/OSHA.
Although California adopted stricter safety standards nearly two years ago, the implementation has been lacking. Experts like Maegan Ortiz, director of the Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California, emphasized that the current measures are insufficient, saying, “We need to ban this. It’s like thoughts and prayers in the face of other crises that don’t go far enough.”
In Australia, the government took decisive action by banning the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, prompting manufacturers to shift to silica-free alternatives. In contrast, companies selling engineered stone in the U.S. maintain that their products are safe if proper protocols are followed. A representative from Cosentino North America stated, “Silicosis is preventable when proper safety and health measures are in place.”
Despite these assurances, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Investigations by Cal/OSHA revealed that approximately 94% of the 107 worksites inspected were found to be in violation of silica regulations as of mid-October. Workers reported that even in larger shops, dust levels remained dangerously high, undermining the effectiveness of existing safety protocols.
Dr. Ryan Hoy, a respiratory physician at Monash University, highlighted the impracticality of sophisticated safety measures for small shops that comprise much of the industry. He pointed out that while regulations exist, compliance remains a challenge, contributing to the ongoing health crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the potential for legal action against manufacturers looms large. Workers like Lopez are among those who have begun suing top companies such as Caesarstone, Cambria, and Cosentino for silica-related injuries. Caesarstone, which reported claims from over 500 individuals, has set aside $46 million for probable losses, although costs may rise as many claims await trial.
In conclusion, the rising cases of silicosis in California’s countertop fabrication industry underscore a pressing public health crisis. Experts and advocates are calling for immediate action to protect workers from hazardous materials. Without significant regulatory changes, the number of affected individuals is expected to grow, placing additional strain on families and communities already grappling with the disease’s devastating effects.
