Home / Health / California Rocked by Deadly Lung Disease Epidemic
California Rocked by Deadly Lung Disease Epidemic
14 Aug
Summary
- Nearly 600 California workers diagnosed with fatal lung disease.
- Average age of diagnosed workers is 46; deceased are 52.
- California officials consider regulations modeled on Australia's ban.
A severe lung disease, silicosis, has sickened nearly 600 workers in California's quartz countertop manufacturing industry. Between January 2019 and June 2026, health officials documented these cases, with 65 workers needing lung transplants and 31 tragically dying. The median age for diagnosis is 46, and for fatalities, it is 52.
Engineered stone, commonly known as quartz, contains over 90% silica and releases hazardous dust when cut, leading to silicosis. This incurable lung condition is often work-related and preventable by minimizing silica dust exposure. Experts suggest the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to undiagnosed or late diagnoses.
California officials are now developing significant regulatory and legislative measures. They are considering following Australia's lead, which in 2023 became the first nation to implement a complete ban on engineered stone to safeguard workers from silica dust.
