California poised to ban quartz countertops after silicosis crisis

Key points

• California’s Cal/OSHA proposed an emergency order to ban quartz countertop fabrication due to high silica content.
• The state reported 662 silicosis cases among quartz workers since 2019, including 35 deaths and 75 lung transplants.
• Approximately 99% of the diagnosed cases involved Latino workers, with a median age of death at 52.
• The public comment period for the ban closed on September 30, with a final decision expected in October 2026.
• Australia banned artificial stone in 2024, but California would be the first US state to implement such a restriction.

Background

Quartz countertops gained popularity in the US over the last decade due to affordability and durability. However, the material’s high silica content (90-95%) poses severe health risks when processed. Previous regulatory efforts failed to stop the rise in illnesses, prompting stricter measures. This follows global concerns, as Australia banned artificial stone in 2024.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY emphasizes the human toll, citing 662 cases and 35 deaths in California, and highlights the petition by 600 health professionals. CNET focuses on the broader health risks, noting that silica exposure can also cause lung cancer and COPD, and mentions that quartz remains popular globally despite the potential ban. Both sources agree on the link between quartz processing and silicosis but differ in emphasis: USA TODAY centers on the state-specific crisis, while CNET discusses global market trends and alternatives.

Why it matters

The potential ban could reshape the US countertop industry and set a precedent for other states. It highlights the need for stricter workplace safety regulations to prevent incurable diseases like silicosis, which has no cure and often leads to fatal outcomes or lung transplants.

What to watch

Cal/OSHA is reviewing the draft regulation and plans to provide updates in October 2026. If passed, the ban could be adopted within a year, restricting the cutting and finishing of quartz countertops in California. It remains unclear if sales and installations will also be restricted.