California Poised to Ban Quartz Countertops Amid Silicosis Concerns

California is on the verge of banning quartz countertops, potentially becoming the first state in the nation to prohibit the popular material due to its link to hundreds of illnesses and dozens of deaths.

The state's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to vote on an emergency regulation later this month that would ban the production and installation of quartz countertops. The measure is intended to protect workers who cut and polish the material from silicosis, an incurable lung disease.

Silicosis permanently scars the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and severe complications. The risk stems from the silica dust released when quartz is cut, which workers can inhale. There is no cure for the disease, and lung transplants are the only treatment.

According to state officials, California has confirmed 35 deaths and 662 illnesses linked to quartz countertops since 2019. The average age of affected patients was 45, with the average age of those who died being 52. Almost all of the reported cases have been among Latino men.

In August, a report from the California Department of Health linked over 600 illnesses and 35 deaths to quartz countertops, with 65 patients requiring a lung transplant and 113 being referred for the procedure.

Representatives for quartz countertop manufacturers have contested the proposed ban, arguing that the issue lies with the processing methods, not the product itself. Some experts suggest that the risk of silica dust can be mitigated by wearing N95 masks, a requirement under current employer regulations, though the enforcement of these rules is unclear.

The California Department of Industrial Relations stated that the ban would acknowledge the inadequacy of existing laws to protect workers. A spokesperson for the department noted the "urgent need to protect workers from a product that has proven uniquely hazardous."

Silicosis cases in California have seen a significant increase in recent years. While the state historically recorded about four to five cases annually, this number rose into double digits in 2021. In 2025, 103 cases were recorded, and this year alone, 150 cases have been reported.

Other regions have also raised concerns about quartz countertops. New York City health officials issued an advisory to healthcare workers last month, and Massachusetts issued a similar advisory on silica dust in December. Australia banned the import of quartz countertops in 2025.

Quartz countertops have gained popularity for their durability, resistance, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural stone. However, approximately 10% of these countertops are composed of silica dust, which poses a health risk during fabrication and installation.

Symptoms of silicosis can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest or back pain, as well as fatigue, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and chest pain. It is estimated that 2.3 million people in the U.S. are exposed to silica in the workplace, with 2 million in the construction industry.

The emergency regulation mechanism allows the board to enact rules immediately in cases of public health or safety risk, bypassing the standard rulemaking process that typically takes over a year. A decision on the public notice for the emergency regulation is anticipated this month.

Homeowners who have already installed quartz countertops face no risk from the material. The hazard is specifically associated with the processing and installation stages.