The California Department of Public Health released findings on Wednesday showing that at least 592 people have developed serious lung disease due to exposure to stone countertops. Of those cases, 31 individuals died and 65 required lung transplants, according to the report published in NEJM Evidence.
The illness is known as silicosis, a condition that slowly destroys lung tissue and cannot be cured, according to komonews.com. It occurs when people breathe in tiny particles of crystalline silica, which are found in many materials used for construction and manufacturing.
Engineered stone slabs, often sold as quartz countertops, can contain up to 90% crystalline silica, the report explained.
The cases identified in the study occurred between January 2019 and June 2026, and they involved people whose ages were notable for being relatively young. Many patients became ill quickly after short periods of exposure to the countertops.
The average age at diagnosis was 46 years old, while those who died from silicosis were an average of 52 years old.
California’s health surveillance system began tracking these cases after a worker in the countertop industry was diagnosed with silicosis in 2019. The state has strengthened its rules for handling silica and improved how it tracks cases of the disease.
Despite these actions, regulators still struggle to fully enforce safety standards in workplaces where workers are exposed. The report noted that dangerous exposure continues to happen even with the new measures in place.
Health officials also said that the true burden of disease remains underestimated due to reliance on passive reporting. This is because the reporting system depends on doctors and hospitals to notify authorities, which means many cases may not be caught.
The study highlights the risks from working with stone materials in home and commercial settings. It also shows how quickly the disease can progress, even in people with short exposure periods.
Workers in countertop fabrication and related industries are especially at risk, according to the report. The findings call for more attention to safety and better enforcement of current regulations.
Health experts warn that the problem may be more widespread than what is currently known. They urge both workers and employers to take precautions when handling engineered stone products.
The report serves as a reminder of the long-term health dangers that can result from exposure to stone countertop materials.
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