On January 14, 2026, a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee took place in Washington, titled “Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Protecting the U.S. Stone Slab Industry from Lawfare.” The discussion focused on Bill H.R. 5437, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act, which addresses civil liability issues for manufacturers and distributors of stone slabs in relation to worker exposure to silica dust during the processing of engineered quartz.
The issue is particularly significant for the broader natural and engineered stone sector, touching on safety, technical standards, and market sustainability.
What H.R. 5437 Provides
The bill, introduced by Representatives Tom McClintock and Andy Biggs, aims to:
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Limit federal and state lawsuits against stone slab manufacturers and distributors
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Separate manufacturer liability from processing workshop liability
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Support the sustainability of an industry contributing approximately $30 billion to the U.S. economy and employing 100,000 workers
Supporters emphasize that the product is safe when processed correctly, in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Silicosis and Engineered Quartz
Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. Particular attention was given to engineered quartz, which can contain over 90% crystalline silica.
According to statements during the hearing:
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The use of wet cutting and automated systems drastically reduces the risk
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At Cambria workshops, where strict safety measures are followed, not a single case of silicosis has been recorded, despite the company facing around 400 lawsuits
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Dr. David Michaels, former OSHA director, stressed that silicosis is entirely preventable, but the engineered stone industry remains among the most hazardous, mainly due to high silica content and toxic resins
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Dust from engineered quartz is considered more dangerous than natural stone, and safer alternatives such as recycled glass are recommended
The hearing also highlighted the role of “bad actors”—employers using uninsured workers or dry cutting—who increase the risk for craftsmen.
Distinct Character of Natural Stone
It is important to note that the discussion focused primarily on engineered quartz.
Natural stone (such as marble, granite, limestone) has a different mineral composition, with lower crystalline silica content, reducing the risk of silicosis when proper cutting and polishing practices are applied.
This distinction emphasizes the importance of good processing practices for all materials, but especially for engineered quartz.
Safety Measures and Worker Protection
During the hearing, it was highlighted that:
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Wet cutting drastically reduces dust
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Automated dust extraction and filtration systems are key prevention tools
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Adherence to strict standards and trained personnel minimizes silicosis incidents
The hearing demonstrated that prevention is crucial for worker safety and for protecting the industry.
Implications for the Industry
Rising lawsuits and concerns about silicosis affect:
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The production and distribution chain
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Technician training and certification
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Industrial safety protocol development
For the natural stone sector, the hearing confirms that compliance with standards, investment in equipment, and awareness of each product’s technical characteristics are essential for market sustainability and credibility.
