Editor's note
Importers and fabricators should monitor this regulatory petition closely. A potential ban on high-silica engineered stone in California, a major U.S. market, could trigger rapid shifts in material demand, inventory clearance of affected slabs, and increased sourcing of alternative materials like sintered stone or low-silica quartz. This signals potential supply chain disruption and highlights the growing regulatory risk associated with crystalline silica content in slab exports.
The Western Occupational & Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA) has formally petitioned California regulators to ban the fabrication and installation of engineered stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica, citing an occupational health emergency. The petition, filed on December 12, urges the state to follow Australia's 2023 ban, arguing the material is too toxic to handle safely. The proposal faces opposition from industry groups like the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), which supports a licensing system instead. California has confirmed 450 silicosis cases among stoneworkers since 2019, with 25 deaths, and expects cases to rise significantly.
A medical association representing over 600 occupational safety physicians has petitioned California to ban engineered stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica, used in countertops and vanities.
The Western Occupational & Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA) submitted a letter on December 12, urging the state to follow Australia's 2023 ban, stating education and enforcement are insufficient to stop the silicosis crisis. The state's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has up to six months to review the request.
The proposal is expected to face strong opposition from manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators. The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) argues a ban is not the answer, citing economic disruption for hundreds of small businesses, and instead advocates for a licensing program for certified shops.
California has the strictest silica dust regulations in the U.S., but many fabrication shops lack resources to comply. Since 2019, California has confirmed 450 silicosis cases among stoneworkers, with 25 deaths and dozens of lung transplants. Regulators project cases could reach 1,000-1,500 within the next decade.
Most affected are Latino immigrant workers. Los Angeles County, a major hub for countertop fabrication and rebuilding efforts post-2025 fires, accounts for over half of the state's cases.
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Source article: Doctors Petition California to Ban Countertop Material Linked to Deadly Disease | Source publish time: Dec 15, 2025 | Source language: en
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