California Proposes Ban on Man-Made Quartz Due to Rising Silicosis Cases

California is considering a ban on the creation or installation of man-made quartz due to increasing cases of silicosis, a fatal lung disease affecting workers who carve the material for kitchen countertops. The state's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to pass an emergency regulation in October, targeting manufactured stone that contains more than 1 percent of crystalline silica. This material, prevalent in man-made quartz, releases dust into the air when cut, which can lead to severe lung damage. According to a study, the number of Californians diagnosed with silicosis rose from 31 cases in 2019 to 631 cases as of mid-August 2026. Nearly all affected individuals are men, with about half located in Los Angeles County, and the median age of patients is 52. One affected worker, Enrique Gonzalez, has been unable to work for two years due to silicosis resulting from his job in granite and stone manufacturing. His daughter, Edith Gonzalez, reported that her father's health improved significantly after receiving a lung transplant this summer. She described the challenges the family faced during his illness, including financial difficulties and the reliance on donations to cover expenses. Despite the successful transplant, Gonzalez continues to face restrictions and requires ongoing medical care.