California state authorities are taking decisive measures to address a growing health crisis in the construction and fabrication industry. The State is moving toward banning the production and processing of engineered stone countertops, citing the severe health risks posed to workers from inhaling crystalline silica dust.
The Cal/OSHA Emergency Proposal
At the center of these developments is an emergency rule draft published by the California Department of Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA). The proposal targets a ban on engineered stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica.
This initiative follows a unanimous vote by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) to initiate the rulemaking process. The decision comes in response to a petition submitted by the Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA) alongside advocacy from hundreds of healthcare professionals.
The Threat of Silicosis and Its Impact on Workers
Engineered stone—a highly popular material in modern residential and commercial design—can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. During tasks such as cutting, grinding, and polishing, ultra-fine dust particles are released into the air.
Prolonged inhalation of these respirable particles causes silicosis, an incurable and progressive lung disease. Data from California illustrates the severity of the situation:
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Over 644 confirmed cases of accelerated silicosis among fabrication workers.
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35 recorded fatalities.
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58 lung transplants performed on industry workers since 2022.
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An estimated 1,000 additional cases projected over the next two years without strict regulatory intervention.
Beyond silicosis, exposure to crystalline silica dust is scientifically linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney failure.
Next Steps and Outlook
The regulatory framework is currently undergoing review and public feedback. If approved by the board, California will become one of the first jurisdictions to impose such stringent restrictions on engineered stone, aiming to halt the rise of occupational lung disease across the stone processing sector.
