The Alarming Surge of Silicosis among Workers in the Artificial Stone Countertop Industry

Brayton Purcell LLP has recently sounded the alarm on a severe and escalating health crisis affecting workers in the artificial stone countertop industry. The issue has been brought to light with new findings from InvestigateTV, which highlights the devastating toll that silicosis—a lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust—has taken on thousands of workers across the country.

Understanding the Health Risk

Artificial stone, often referred to as quartz or engineered stone, is composed of at least 90% crystalline silica, a known hazardous material. When workers engage in the cutting, grinding, and polishing of these materials, they release fine silica particles into the air, posing substantial health risks. InvestigateTV’s January 19, 2026, report reveals shocking statistics: nearly 500 workers in California alone have been diagnosed with silicosis, with about 27 fatalities reported. Alarmingly, over half of the fabrication shops surveyed have at least one confirmed case of silica-related illnesses among their workers.

Dr. Jane Fazio from UCLA School of Medicine noted, "The lungs essentially become stone, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to breathe. They are, in effect, suffocating to death." This stark reality underscores the urgency of the situation, as many affected individuals eventually require complicated double-lung transplants, with over 50 surgeries conducted in recent years due to the progression of this fatal disease.

Personal Stories of Suffering

One particularly harrowing account is that of Tyler Jordan, who at just 31 years of age, has become a father to three children while battling silicosis after working in his family's countertop fabrication shop. Describing his experience, Jordan conveyed the frustration and despair of living with a drastically reduced lung capacity. "It feels like there’s a limit to how deep I can breathe. Looking back, being diagnosed with cancer would have been a better outcome compared to this, given the potential for a future. Now, I feel as though I have lost all sense of direction in my life," he shared. In addition to silicosis, Jordan has experienced silica-induced kidney failure and had to undergo a kidney transplant, further complicating his health struggles.

Legislative Battles and Industry Pushback

As the crisis unfolds, the industry has been seen pushing back against accountability. Current legislative efforts like H.R. 5437 aim to shield manufacturers and distributors of these hazardous materials from lawsuits, allowing them to evade culpability for exposing workers to such dangerous products. Jordan expressed his discontent regarding this bill, stating, "It’s absurd that a product as dangerous as this could be subject to no consequences for causing illness and death in people."

Calls for Action and Ban

Health professionals are increasingly voicing their concerns. The Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association, representing more than 600 occupational health experts, has formally requested a statewide ban on the production of crystalline silica artificial stone, deeming it too dangerous to continue fabrication and installation. Notably, Australia already enacted a ban in 2024, concluding that no safe exposure level exists for silica.

Advocating for Workers’ Rights

Brayton Purcell LLP is actively representing nearly 500 workers affected by silicosis in California and over 200 others nationally. The firm aims to help those diagnosed seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses and loss of income. Their dedicated team has extensive experience in dealing with toxic exposure cases, ensuring that affected individuals and families receive the support they need during these challenging times.

As public awareness grows, the hope is that robust actions will be taken to protect workers’ health and prevent further tragedies in the artificial stone countertop industry. Only through collective recognition and mobilization can we begin to address this alarming crisis effectively.