Silicosis Cases Rise Among Quartz Countertop Workers, 31 Fatalities Reported

A California Department of Public Health report released Wednesday documented a sharp increase in silicosis among workers fabricating quartz countertops. The study, covering 2019 to 2026, identified 592 cases of the lung disease, 65 of which required lung transplants and 31 resulted in death. Quartz surfaces contain more than 90 percent silica, and prolonged exposure to silica dust is known to cause the condition.

"Healthcare practitioners and public health departments should be on the lookout for cases and join the effort to stop this epidemic and save workers’ lives," said David Michaels, co-author of the report.

The findings highlight concerns that many cases may remain undiagnosed, prompting calls for heightened surveillance and protective measures in the industry.