Engineered quartz countertops have become common in kitchens and bathrooms throughout California. But behind these popular surfaces is a serious occupational health risk for the workers who cut, grind, polish, and install them.
California is now moving toward an emergency regulation aimed at prohibiting the fabrication of engineered-stone countertops and similar products containing more than 1% crystalline silica. The proposal comes amid growing concern about workers developing silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. CalDIR
For California stone fabrication workers and their families, the issue is about much more than countertops. It is about years of workplace exposure that can lead to permanent disability, severe illness, and, in some cases, death.
Why Is Engineered Stone Dangerous?
Engineered stone, sometimes called artificial stone or quartz, is manufactured using materials that can contain crystalline silica.
The danger arises when workers perform tasks such as:
- Cutting
- Grinding
- Drilling
- Polishing
- Chipping
- Carving
- Cleaning up silica-containing dust and debris
These activities can release extremely small particles of respirable crystalline silica into the air. Workers can breathe those particles deep into their lungs without necessarily realizing they are being exposed.
Cal/OSHA warns that silica exposure from artificial stone is particularly dangerous and can lead to rapid-onset, severe silicosis. Exposure is also associated with lung cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, and other serious health effects. CalDIR
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a progressive and incurable occupational lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica.
When silica particles enter the lungs, they can cause inflammation and scarring that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. The damage is permanent, and severe cases can become disabling or fatal. CalDIR
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Difficulty performing physical activities
Workers should not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking medical attention if they believe they have experienced significant occupational silica exposure.
A California Stone Worker’s Story Highlights the Human Cost
A recent news report highlighted the experience of Enrique Gonzalez, a San Fernando Valley stone worker who developed silicosis after years of working in granite and stone manufacturing.
According to the report, Gonzalez eventually became so ill that he required supplemental oxygen, had difficulty walking even short distances, and was unable to continue working.
This summer, he received a lung transplant. His daughter told the publication that his health has improved significantly since the procedure, although his recovery continues with medical appointments, physical therapy, and substantial restrictions.
His experience illustrates how an occupational disease can affect much more than a worker’s health. When someone can no longer work, the consequences can extend to the entire family through lost income, medical needs, and long-term care.
What Is California Proposing?
California has already strengthened its workplace silica protections in recent years. The state’s current rules impose enhanced requirements for high-exposure tasks involving artificial stone, including wet methods, respiratory protection, safe housekeeping practices, medical surveillance, and other measures. CalDIR
Now California is considering going further.
In May 2026, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to begin the process of prohibiting fabrication and installation of artificial stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica. Cal/OSHA subsequently held advisory meetings, and in September released draft language for a proposed emergency standard. CalDIR
As of October 7, the emergency rulemaking process is still underway. Workers and employers should therefore distinguish between California’s existing silica safety requirements, which are already enforceable, and the proposed prohibition, which has not yet been shown in official state materials as an effective final regulation. CalDIR
What Rights Do Workers Exposed to Silica Have?
Workers who develop silicosis or another medical condition because of occupational silica exposure may have rights under California’s workers’ compensation system.
Depending on the circumstances, workers’ compensation benefits may help cover:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Other qualifying workers’ compensation benefits
Silicosis cases can be particularly complicated because the disease may develop after repeated exposure rather than one specific workplace accident.
A worker may have spent years cutting countertops or working around silica dust before realizing that breathing problems are connected to the job.
What Should Stone Workers Do If They Are Concerned About Exposure?
If you currently work—or previously worked—in stone fabrication and are concerned about silica exposure:
- Seek medical attention, particularly if you are experiencing breathing problems, persistent coughing, chest discomfort, or unusual fatigue.
- Tell your doctor about your work history, including cutting, grinding, polishing, or installing engineered or natural stone.
- Report a suspected work-related illness to your employer.
- Document your employment history, including the companies you worked for, your job duties, the materials you handled, and the protective equipment provided.
- Learn about your workers’ compensation rights if you have been diagnosed with a work-related condition.
Workers should also understand that California’s silica rules already require significant protections for employees performing high-exposure artificial-stone work. CalDIR
Immigration Status Does Not Eliminate Your Workplace Rights
The state has reported that Latino men are disproportionately affected by engineered-stone-associated silicosis in California. According to California’s Department of Industrial Relations, approximately 98% of workers diagnosed with silicosis associated with this industry are Latino men. CalDIR
Workers should not avoid seeking information about their rights because of concerns about immigration status.
If you developed an occupational illness because of your job, your immigration status does not automatically prevent you from pursuing workers’ compensation benefits in California.
How Kinsler Law Can Help
Silicosis and occupational exposure cases can be complicated. Workers may have been exposed for years, worked for multiple employers, or become sick long after the exposure began.
Kinsler Law can help workers understand their rights, evaluate their employment and exposure history, navigate the workers’ compensation process, and address denied or disputed claims.
We assist workers in Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Paula, Camarillo, throughout Ventura County, and across California.
Diagnosed With Silicosis After Working With Stone?
California’s proposed restrictions highlight just how seriously the state is treating the dangers associated with engineered-stone fabrication. But for workers who have already spent years breathing silica-containing dust, prevention may have come too late.
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or believe your health has been affected by workplace silica exposure, it is important to understand your legal options.
Kinsler Law offers free consultations by phone or Zoom in English and Spanish. There are no upfront legal fees, and you only pay if we recover benefits or compensation on your behalf.
Contact Kinsler Law to discuss your work history, silica exposure, and potential workers’ compensation claim.