California reports 31 silicosis deaths and nearly 600 cases among engineered-stone countertop workers

California's public health agency has documented 592 cases of silicosis among workers who fabricate engineered-stone countertops since early 2019, the report said. The tally includes 31 deaths and 65 lung transplants, underscoring the severity of the disease among a largely young workforce.

Silicosis, described as a progressive, incurable fibrotic lung condition caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica, has been linked to engineered-stone slabs that can contain at least 90% silica. Workers are exposed during cutting and finishing operations.

The median age at diagnosis was 46, with deceased patients averaging 52 years old. Almost all affected individuals were men, and 98% identified as Latino. The cases were notable for short exposure periods and rapid disease progression.

California expanded its surveillance after the first known case in 2019, when a 32-year-old worker died at 38. The state has since tightened silica regulations and increased monitoring, but officials acknowledge ongoing challenges.

"Despite these interventions, hazardous worker exposures persist in California," the report noted, adding that reliance on passive reporting likely underestimates the true disease burden and that screening remains inconsistent, leading to frequent misdiagnoses.