The Profit Over Safety Problem: How Artificial Stone Manufacturers Failed Workers
February 11, 2025
In a concerning development, over 300 cases of silicosis have been confirmed among California countertop workers, with at least 14 fatalities and 26 individuals requiring lung transplants. This alarming trend highlights the severe health risks associated with artificial stone fabrication, an industry that has rapidly expanded over the past two decades. Despite its popularity for creating durable and stylish countertops, engineered stone poses a severe occupational hazard due to the high silica content present in these materials.
The Silicosis Epidemic
Silicosis, a debilitating and irreversible lung disease, is caused by inhaling fine silica dust, which scars lung tissue and reduces the ability to breathe over time. Unlike traditional stone materials such as granite or marble, artificial stone contains up to 90% silica, making its dust particularly hazardous when cut, ground, or polished. The condition has historically affected miners and construction workers, but the surge in cases among countertop fabricators signals an industry-wide crisis.
Symptoms of silicosis can take years to appear, making early detection difficult. Many workers only seek medical attention when they experience severe shortness of breath, persistent cough, or fatigue. In advanced cases, silicosis can lead to respiratory failure, necessitating lung transplants or resulting in premature death.
Industry Response and Search for Safer Alternatives
The growing awareness of silicosis among artificial stone fabricators has led to increasing calls for change within the industry. Employers are being urged to implement more effective protective measures, such as enhanced ventilation, wet-cutting techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators. However, compliance has been inconsistent, and many workers continue to face unsafe conditions.
To address the crisis, some manufacturers are exploring lower-silica alternatives, including porcelain and recycled glass surfaces, which produce less hazardous dust when processed. However, these materials have yet to gain widespread adoption due to cost and availability concerns. Worker advocacy groups are pushing for a complete ban on high-silica artificial stone, following the lead of countries such as Australia, which is considering strict regulatory measures to prevent further harm.
Legal Actions and Advocacy
The rising number of silicosis cases has prompted legal action against artificial stone manufacturers and employers who fail to protect their workers. Lawsuits are being filed by affected workers and their families, alleging negligence in workplace safety practices and failure to provide adequate health protections. Legal experts argue that companies should be held accountable for exposing employees to deadly levels of silica dust without proper safeguards in place.
Regulatory bodies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are also under pressure to enforce stricter silica exposure limits and improve oversight in the artificial stone fabrication sector. Advocacy groups are calling for comprehensive reforms, including mandatory worker training, regular medical screenings, and stricter penalties for non-compliance.
Conclusion
The rapid rise of silicosis among artificial stone fabrication workers underscores the urgent need for industry-wide reforms. As awareness grows, it is critical for manufacturers, employers, and regulators to take meaningful action to protect workers from preventable exposure to deadly silica dust.
Implementing safer materials, enforcing strict safety protocols, and supporting affected workers are crucial steps toward addressing this public health crisis. The lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of workers depend on immediate and decisive action to mitigate the devastating impact of silicosis in the artificial stone industry.
To view our full press release, click here.
