Silicosis Rapidly Spreads in Artificial Stone Countertop Industry

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Silicosis at a workplace

Silicosis, a preventable but incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust, is making a deadly comeback, especially among workers fabricating engineered stone countertops. Once considered an “ancient disease” of miners and quarry workers back to age of construction of Egyptian piramides, silicosis is now surging in new industries and populations, sparking urgent public health responses worldwide.

The Engineered Stone Epidemic

In the past decade, cases of severe silicosis have rapidly increased among workers in the artificial stone countertop industry. Engineered stone, popular for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, contains up to 90% silica- much higher than natural stone like granite. Cutting, grinding, and polishing these materials releases ultrafine silica dust, which, when inhaled, embeds deep in the lungs and causes irreversible scarring and suffocation over time.

United States: California at the Epicenter

California has become a focal point for the silicosis epidemic in the U.S. In February 2025, the California Department of Public Health launched an online dashboard to track cases among countertop workers. As of early February, 247 cases and 15 deaths had been reported, with most victims being young, immigrant men working in the Los Angeles area. Investigative reporting and medical research show clusters of severe cases, often in workers under 50, many of whom require lung transplants-a treatment that remains rare due to its complexity and cost.

Australia: A National Ban

Australia reported its first engineered stone silicosis case in 2015. By late 2023, more than 570 cases had been documented, prompting the government to announce a nationwide ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone, effective July 2024. This landmark move was hailed by medical and labor organizations as a critical step, with experts stating, “There is no safe level of exposure to engineered stone for these workers.”

Global Burden and Trends

Globally, silicosis remains a significant occupational health issue. In 2019, there were an estimated 2.6 million prevalent cases worldwide, with nearly 139,000 new cases and almost 13,000 deaths that year alone. China, South Africa, and Chile continue to bear the highest burdens, largely due to mining and heavy industry, but the rise in engineered stone fabrication is shifting the epidemiological landscape. While age-standardized rates have declined slightly due to better regulations in some regions, the absolute number of cases continues to rise, especially in middle- and high-income countries where engineered stone is popula.r

Why Is This Happening Now?

Several factors have converged to fuel the new silicosis crisis:

   •  Popularity of Engineered Stone: Demand for quartz countertops has soared, with U.S. imports rising 800% from 2010 to 2018.

   •  Inadequate Safety Measures: Many small fabrication shops lack proper dust controls and medical surveillance, especially those employing vulnerable, often immigrant workers.

   •  Delayed Diagnosis: Silicosis is frequently misdiagnosed or detected late due to variable symptoms and limited clinician awareness of occupational risks.

   •  Regulatory Gaps: While OSHA and other agencies set exposure limits and require protective measures, enforcement and compliance remain inconsistent, particularly in smaller workplaces.

Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Silicosis symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The disease is progressive and irreversible; advanced cases may require lung transplantation, but most patients rely on symptom management with medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes. There are currently no effective drug cures, though research into anti-fibrotic therapies and stem cell treatments is ongoing.Prevention remains the only effective strategy:   •    Use engineering controls (wet methods, local exhaust ventilation)   •    Provide and properly fit respirators   •    Implement regular medical surveillance   •    Educate workers and enforce exposure limits.

Looking Ahead

The silicosis crisis underscores the urgent need for:   •    Stricter regulations and enforcement in high-risk industries   •    Comprehensive worker health surveillance   •    Bans or strict controls on engineered stone, as seen in Australia   •    Increased awareness among clinicians and workers.

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