California May Ban Quartz Countertops Over Risk of Incurable Lung Disease in Workers
Learn about California's proposed ban on quartz countertops, a move inspired by concerns over rising cases of an incurable lung disease.
California is considering a ban on quartz countertops due to the health risks they pose to workers. The issue stems from quartz countertops, also known as "engineered stone countertops," being produced from synthetic materials containing over 95 percent finely ground quartz. During the manufacturing process, these workers are exposed to billions of tiny crystalline silica particles, which can greatly increase the risk of developing silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can be fatal.
Currently, California has reported 662 confirmed cases of silicosis related to engineered stone silicosis, with a median diagnosis age of 46. Experts are urging for similar bans in other states to address the growing concern.
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