For Rapid Launch: August 12, 2026
Media contact: Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected]
New Analysis Paperwork Rising Silicosis Epidemic Amongst Quartz Countertop Staff
GW researcher co-authored research calling for stronger monitoring to forestall a lethal however preventable occupational illness
Newswise — WASHINGTON (August 12, 2026) — A brand new report documenting California’s quickly rising silicosis epidemic amongst quartz countertop staff underscores the pressing want for a nationwide effort targeted on stronger surveillance, earlier prognosis and coverage interventions to guard staff from a preventable but typically deadly occupational lung illness.
The report, co-authored by David Michaels, professor within the Division of Environmental and Occupational Well being on the George Washington College Milken Institute Faculty of Public Well being and former assistant secretary of labor for the U.S. Occupational Security and Well being Administration (OSHA), and consultants from the California Division of Public Well being and two California universities recognized 592 instances of silicosis amongst quartz countertop fabrication staff between January 2019 and June 2026. Of these staff, 65 underwent lung transplants and 31 died. The variety of instances is rising quickly.
Silicosis is an incurable lung illness brought on by inhaling respirable crystalline silica mud. Engineered stone, generally marketed as “quartz” counter tops, usually accommodates greater than 90% crystalline silica, inserting staff who reduce, grind and polish the fabric at notably excessive threat. Whereas safer options can be found, quartz stays the preferred countertop materials within the U.S.
“A whole bunch of staff have been sickened making quartz counter tops, a product we don’t want, particularly when a safer various is on the market,” stated Michaels. “Given the a whole bunch of recognized instances of silicosis in California, there are probably 1000’s of extra instances throughout the nation. Well being care practitioners and public well being departments needs to be looking out for instances and be a part of the hassle to cease this epidemic and save staff lives.”
The report highlights a number of alarming tendencies:
- Sufferers are being recognized with silicosis at comparatively younger ages after comparatively brief intervals of publicity.
- Many instances progress quickly, typically requiring lung transplantation.
- Staff continuously expertise different silica-related diseases, together with autoimmune ailments and tuberculosis.
- Regardless of strengthened California laws, hazardous office exposures proceed.
The authors observe that California’s monitoring efforts have already prompted important regulatory and legislative motion, together with stronger office silica requirements. Nonetheless, they warning that the true burden of illness is probably going a lot greater as a result of many staff stay undiagnosed or are recognized late.
The report additionally factors to Australia’s nationwide ban on engineered stone containing crystalline silica as a mannequin for stopping future instances.
The authors urge healthcare suppliers to routinely ask sufferers about occupational exposures, consider countertop fabrication staff for silicosis and report recognized instances to public well being authorities.
The research, “Silicosis Epidemic Among Workers Fabricating Engineered Stone (“Quartz”) Countertops in California, 2019–2026,” was revealed within the New England Journal of Drugs Proof and authored by researchers from the California Division of Public Well being, the College of California, Los Angeles, the College of California, San Francisco, and the George Washington College Milken Institute Faculty of Public Well being.
Michaels and Robert Harrison, a senior attending doctor in occupational well being on the College of California, San Francisco and co-author on the paper, recently published an article in The Dialog on the general public well being influence of quartz counter tops, spotlighting how most big-box shops proceed to promote the counter tops.
-GW-
