A growing epidemic of silicosis, a severe and incurable lung disease, has claimed the lives of nearly three dozen people and sickened hundreds in California, primarily among workers exposed to silica dust from quartz countertops, according to a recent report.
Health officials recorded 31 fatalities and 600 illnesses linked to the condition since 2019, with cases showing a significant increase in recent years. The disease, often referred to as 'black lung,' causes progressive scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties and an increased susceptibility to infections. The only effective treatment is a lung transplant.
Quartz countertops, popular for their durability and lower cost compared to natural stone, are composed of approximately 90 percent silica. When workers cut or shape these materials, fine silica dust is released into the air. Inhaling this dust can lead to the particles becoming trapped in the lungs, triggering the debilitating effects of silicosis.
The average age of diagnosed patients in California was 45, while those who died were, on average, 52 years old. The report also noted that 65 cases required a lung transplant, with an additional 113 patients referred for the procedure. The vast majority of those affected were men of Latino background.
While California reported four to five silicosis cases annually before 2021, this number escalated into double digits thereafter. In 2025, 103 cases were confirmed, and 150 have been detected so far in 2026. Experts suggest this surge may be partly due to increased awareness, leading more individuals to seek diagnosis, and in some instances, the condition was initially misdiagnosed.
Dr. David Michaels, an occupational health expert who contributed to the report, stated that hundreds of workers have been affected by making quartz countertops, a product he deems unnecessary, especially with safer alternatives available. He estimated that beyond the diagnosed cases in California, thousands more could exist nationwide.
Health care providers and public health departments are urged to be vigilant for cases of silicosis to combat what is being called an epidemic and protect workers' lives. Experts hope the report will prompt greater surveillance of silicosis across the United States. The American Lung Association estimates that 2.3 million workers in the U.S. face silica exposure, with 2 million in the construction industry.
A 2023 study indicated that West Virginia has the highest rates of silicosis in the U.S., followed by New Mexico and Nevada. Individuals at risk include those who chip, cut, drill, or grind materials containing silica, such as quartz, granite, and sandstone. This also includes workers in demolition, mining, and foundries.
People who have quartz countertops installed in their homes are not at risk, as the danger arises from cutting or fabricating the material, not from the finished product. Warning signs of silicosis include persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest or back pain, alongside fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and fever.
The American Lung Association recommends using tight-fitting N95 masks during work with silica-releasing substances to prevent dust exposure. Employers in the U.S. are legally obligated to protect their workers from silica hazards.