Brayton Purcell LLP Advocates for Immediate Ban of Artificial Stone Slabs with High Crystalline Silica Content

Brayton Purcell LLP Advocates for Change

In a significant move towards occupational health and safety, Brayton Purcell LLP has announced its unwavering support for a petition initiated by the Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association (WOEMA). This petition, submitted to the Cal/OSHA Standards Board on December 12, 2025, calls for an immediate ban on artificial stone slabs that contain more than 1% crystalline silica. This urgent step seeks to combat the alarming rise in silicosis cases among countertop manufacturing workers in California and beyond.

Understanding the Health Crisis

Artificial stone manufactured from quartz contains at least 90% crystalline silica, along with various toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trace metals. The manufacturing process involves cutting and polishing these slabs, which releases ultrafine silica particles into the air. When inhaled, these particles can lead to irreversible lung diseases, including a rapid form of silicosis that can manifest within months or even weeks, as opposed to traditional silicosis, which typically develops over decades.

According to the California Department of Public Health's surveillance dashboard, there have been 450 confirmed cases of silicosis related to artificial stone by December 11, 2025, resulting in 25 deaths, with some victims as young as 24. The average age of affected workers is just 46, highlighting the devastating impact of this preventable disease. Current safety regulations and emergency measures have failed to keep pace with the rapid development and dangers of artificial stone, as evidenced by inspections revealing that 94% of stone fabrication shops do not comply with silica exposure limits, regardless of using recommended engineering controls.

The Call for Action

Brayton Purcell LLP emphasizes that the only viable solution to avert further tragedies is to eliminate hazardous products and replace them with safer materials. This principle is supported by leading organizations, including NIOSH and OSHA, and backed by decades of global research. James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, stated, "Existing safety regulations have proven inadequate and incapable of halting this epidemic. With each day that passes without action, more young workers are exposed to a lethal product. California must act decisively to ban artificial stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica—lives depend on it."

Global Examples of Success

WOEMA points to Australia as a precedent for successful regulatory changes. The country has implemented a ban on artificial stone slabs with over 1% crystalline silica, leading to a swift market transition to safer alternatives such as recycled glass (amorphous silica), porcelain, and natural stone. These alternatives offer comparable aesthetics and performance without the associated health risks, demonstrating that it is feasible to maintain quality and safety standards without compromising worker health.

Currently, foreign manufacturers are already producing safe glass slabs and other options that can easily fill the gap left by a ban on artificial stone in the U.S. This shift would safeguard workers' health while preserving consumer choice and industry stability.

Commitment to Advocacy

Brayton Purcell LLP is dedicated to representing manufacturing workers diagnosed with silicosis and related occupational illnesses. While legal recourse remains available for those affected, the firm prioritizes preventative measures to stop future cases from occurring. As articulated by Nevin, "Banning artificial stone slabs with more than 1% crystalline silica is the most effective strategy to address this crisis and save lives."

For further information on silicosis related to artificial stone and available legal options for affected workers, please visit Brayton Law.