California to Ban Quartz Countertops Amid Health Concerns

California is set to ban quartz countertops due to health concerns linked to a serious lung disease. This emergency regulation is anticipated to be enacted by the state later this month, as reported by The New York Times. Quartz countertops containing over 1% crystalline silica, a mineral commonly found in stone, pose a risk. Upon cutting or drilling quartz, dust containing crystalline silica is generated.

Upon inhalation, this dust can result in various health issues, including silicosis, a lethal lung ailment. It's worth noting that symptoms of silicosis usually manifest 15 to 20 years post-exposure. According to the National Cancer Institute, most exposure to crystalline silica dust occurs in occupational settings, making workers most vulnerable.

Approximately 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica through their jobs. Silicosis shares similarities with asbestosis, a condition arising from asbestos exposure, a material that has since been banned. Apart from silicosis, exposure to crystalline silica dust can elevate the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.

Currently, quartz countertops are utilized across all U.S. states, making California the first to impose a ban. Whether other states will follow suit remains uncertain. As of now, Australia is the sole country with a quartz ban, which took effect in 2024. Nonetheless, quartz remains a favored choice worldwide, with projections estimating the global quartz market at $14.8 billion by 2026.

Alternative countertop options include soapstone or granite. While other stone countertops may contain crystalline silica, quartz typically has the highest concentration, rendering it the most scrutinized. To avoid crystalline silica entirely, a wooden countertop is recommended.