California is set to implement an emergency regulation this month banning quartz countertops containing more than 1 percent crystalline silica, targeting a material linked to the incurable lung disease silicosis, The New York Times reported this week.
The Occupational Threat of Fine Dust
When quartz countertops are cut or drilled during installation or fabrication, they release fine crystalline silica dust into the air. Inhalation of this dust can lead to silicosis, a severe and potentially fatal condition where lung tissue scars and stiffens over time. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, symptoms do not typically appear immediately after exposure, often taking 15 to 20 years to manifest.
Beyond silicosis, exposure to the dust increases the risk of developing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. The National Cancer Institute notes that exposure occurs most frequently in occupational settings, putting fabricators and other daily handlers at the highest risk among an estimated 2.3 million U.S. workers exposed to silica on the job.
A First-in-the-Nation Regulatory Shift
Quartz countertops are currently utilized across every U.S. state, making California the first jurisdiction in the country to pursue a ban. Globally, the quartz market reached an estimated $14.8 billion by 2026. While Australia remains the only country with a nationwide quartz ban enacted in 2024, it remains unclear whether other U.S. states will follow California’s lead.
Choosing Natural Stone Alternatives
For consumers seeking alternatives, options include soapstone and granite. Although these natural stone surfaces can also contain crystalline silica, quartz typically features a significantly higher concentration, driving the regulatory focus. Wooden countertops serve as an alternative that avoids crystalline silica entirely.
