New CA Health Report: 592 Silicosis Cases, 31 Deaths Among Countertop Workers

A newly published report from the California Department of Public Health has confirmed what workplace safety advocates have warned about for years: silicosis among workers who cut, grind, and polish engineered stone countertops has become a serious and growing public health crisis.

What the Report Found

Published August 12, 2026, the report identified 592 cases of silicosis among quartz countertop fabrication workers in California between January 2019 and June 2026. Of those workers, 65 required lung transplants, and 31 have died from the disease. The median age of workers diagnosed was 46, and the median age of those who died was just 52.

Researchers involved in the report believe the true number of cases, both in California and nationally, is significantly higher than what has been officially confirmed, since silicosis is widely underdiagnosed and many affected workers are not connected to reporting systems.

Why Countertop Workers Are at Risk

Engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen and bathroom countertops, contains extremely high concentrations of crystalline silica, far more than natural stone. Cutting, grinding, and polishing this material releases fine silica dust that, when inhaled repeatedly over time, causes permanent and progressive lung scarring. See our page on silicosis and countertop workers for more on how this exposure happens on the job.

Silicosis has no cure. Once lung scarring occurs, it cannot be reversed. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with supplemental oxygen or medication, and in severe cases, a lung transplant may be the only option.

A Growing Regulatory Response

California officials are reportedly considering new workplace safety regulations in response to the rising case numbers. Australia has already taken the more drastic step of banning engineered stone products entirely to protect workers, a move public health researchers have pointed to as a model other jurisdictions may need to consider.

What This Means If You've Been Diagnosed

If you have worked in stone countertop fabrication, whether cutting, grinding, polishing, or installing engineered stone, and have been diagnosed with silicosis or another lung disease, you may have legal options against the manufacturers or employers responsible for your exposure. See our silicosis lawsuit page for more information on how these claims work.

Silicosis shares some features with asbestos-related lung disease, though the two conditions are caused by different minerals and involve different legal claims. See our comparison of silicosis vs. mesothelioma for more on how they differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for silicosis to develop?

Silicosis can develop after just a few years of high exposure, unlike some occupational lung diseases that take decades to appear. This is part of why the rise in cases among relatively young countertop workers has alarmed public health officials.

Can I still file a claim if I no longer work in this industry?

Yes. Many silicosis claims involve workers who developed symptoms after leaving the industry, since the disease can progress even after exposure stops. An attorney can help evaluate your work history regardless of your current employment status.

What if my employer didn't provide safety equipment?

Inadequate safety equipment and dust control measures are common factors in silicosis cases and can be relevant to your legal claim. This is worth discussing directly with an attorney.

Related Pages

• Silicosis Lawsuit
• Silicosis and Countertop Workers
• Silicosis vs. Mesothelioma
• Connecticut Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
• Free Case Evaluation

Contact Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC — Free Case Evaluation

If you or a family member worked with engineered stone and has been diagnosed with silicosis or another lung disease, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Call: (860) 589-8000 — available 24/7

Email: Info@Jazlowiecki.com

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