California Moves to Ban Quartz Countertop Fabrication Over Silicosis

California workplace safety officials voted Thursday to move toward a ban on quartz countertop fabrication and installation to combat a deadly silicosis epidemic among workers. - The Cal/OSHA Standards Board directed the agency to begin rule-making while advisory committees study alternatives.

- Since 2019, 562 workers have contracted silicosis from artificial stone in California, with 31 deaths and nearly 60 lung transplants. - Health experts say no practical way exists to fully protect workers from silica dust during cutting and polishing.

- The proposed ban targets artificial stone with more than 1% crystalline silica, similar to Australia's ban. The ban is not immediate, and industry representatives argue many shops already operate safely.

Worker advocates and medical experts urged swift action, citing ongoing diagnoses and deaths.