Quartz countertop production linked to dozens of worker deaths from silicosis in California

A deadly occupational hazard is emerging from the popular trend of quartz countertops, with a new report revealing that at least 31 workers in California have died from silicosis, a fatal lung disease, and nearly 600 others have fallen ill. The California Department of Public Health's findings, published on August 12, highlight a dramatic surge in silicosis cases among workers involved in the manufacturing of these countertops.

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Hundreds of workers have become ill making quartz countertops, a product we don't need, especially when a safer alternative exists.

Between January 2019 and June 2026, health authorities identified 592 cases of silicosis. Tragically, 65 of these patients required lung transplants, and 31 succumbed to the illness. The median age of diagnosed workers was 46, while those who died were a median of 52 years old. The vast majority, 99%, were men, with roughly half of the reported illnesses concentrated in Los Angeles County.

Quartz countertops have gained significant popularity among homeowners and designers for their superior resistance and durability compared to natural stone. However, this engineered stone, also known as composite or artificial stone, is composed of over 90% silica. When cut, it releases fine dust particles that, when inhaled, can lead to silicosis. This chronic lung disease is caused by inhaling extremely small particles of silicon dioxide, or silica.

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Given the hundreds of silicosis cases diagnosed in California, it is likely that there are other thousands of cases across the country.

Silicosis is an incurable condition, and prevention relies on minimizing exposure to silica dust. While treatments can manage symptoms, they cannot cure the disease. David Michaels, a co-author of the report and professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, stated, "Hundreds of workers have become ill making quartz countertops, a product we don't need, especially when a safer alternative exists." He urged healthcare professionals and public health departments to be vigilant for these cases and join efforts to halt this epidemic.

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Healthcare professionals and public health departments should be alert to the appearance of these cases and join efforts to stop this epidemic and save workers' lives.