Editor's note

Importers and fabricators should anticipate significant cost increases and potential supply disruption for Chinese-origin quartz slabs. The high preliminary dumping and subsidy margins will immediately raise landed costs via cash deposit requirements. Consider diversifying supply sources or securing inventory ahead of final determinations to mitigate project risk and pricing volatility.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a preliminary affirmative determination in its antidumping duty investigation of quartz surface products from China. Preliminary dumping margins are set between 242.10% and 341.29%. This follows a separate preliminary finding in September that Chinese exporters received unfair subsidies. As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin collecting cash deposits from importers of these goods. The final determination in the antidumping case is scheduled for around April 4, 2019. In 2017, U.S. imports of these products from China were valued at approximately $460 million.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary affirmative determination in its antidumping duty investigation of quartz surface products imported from China. Preliminary dumping margins for Chinese exporters range from 242.10% to 341.29%.

Following this decision, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be instructed to collect cash deposits from importers based on these rates. This action follows a separate preliminary finding in September 2018, where the Commerce Department determined Chinese quartz slab exporters received unfair subsidies at rates between 34.48% and 178.45%.

The final determination in that countervailing duty investigation is scheduled for January 28, 2019. The final determination for the antidumping investigation is planned for around April 4, 2019. If the Commerce Department's final determination in the antidumping case is affirmative, the U.S.

International Trade Commission (ITC) will make its final injury determination by May 20, 2019. These products, used for kitchen countertops, vanities, and other surfaces, represented an estimated $460 million in U.S. imports from China in 2017.

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• 美商务部初步认定中国石英石台面倾销 (美国之音)

Source article: 美商务部初步认定中国石英石台面倾销 | Source publish time: Nov 16, 2018 | Source language: zh

Editor's note

Importers and fabricators should note the strong projected market growth, signaling sustained demand. This may encourage Chinese slab producers to maintain or increase export-oriented production capacity. Buyers should monitor for potential supply chain expansions or new market entrants from key manufacturing regions, which could influence pricing and availability of fast-moving stock colors and patterns.

The global quartz slab market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.13% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising demand in construction and renovation, particularly for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. The market expansion is attributed to the material's durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal compared to natural stone. Key regions contributing to demand include North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. The report indicates a competitive landscape with manufacturers focusing on product innovation and distribution channel expansion to capture market share.

A market analysis report projects the global quartz slab market to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.13%. Growth is primarily fueled by increasing application in residential and commercial construction, with kitchen countertops representing a major segment.

The material's non-porous nature, resistance to stains and scratches, and wide variety of designs are key factors driving adoption over natural stone alternatives like granite and marble. Market dynamics include technological advancements in manufacturing, which improve slab quality and production efficiency.

The competitive environment involves both large international manufacturers and regional players, with strategies centered on capacity expansion, new product launches, and strengthening distribution networks to serve fabricators and dealers.

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• 石英石市场规模、份额及复合年增长率 14.13% (Global Growth Insights)

Source article: 石英石市场规模、份额及复合年增长率 14.13% | Source publish time: Mar 31, 2025 | Source language: zh

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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• Doctors Petition California to Ban Countertop Material Linked to Deadly Disease (KQED)

Source article: Doctors Petition California to Ban Countertop Material Linked to Deadly Disease | Source publish time: Dec 15, 2025 | Source language: en

Editor's note

Importers and fabricators should monitor U.S. state-level regulatory developments closely, particularly in California, as they may signal future national policy shifts or sourcing restrictions. The high silica content of engineered quartz slabs is the core regulatory driver, potentially increasing compliance costs or limiting market access. Supply chains for alternative materials like porcelain or sintered stone may see increased demand.

Engineered quartz, a leading U.S. countertop material, faces increased regulation and potential bans due to worker safety concerns related to silica dust exposure during fabrication. Australia has implemented a nationwide ban. In the U.S., California's occupational safety agency (Cal/OSHA) has enacted emergency temporary rules as of December 2023, following the identification of 95 worker silicosis cases and 10 deaths since 2019. The rules require compliance with OSHA's silica standards and may lead to a prohibition if safety measures prove insufficient. The industry association representing major manufacturers has voiced support for the California measures. Engineered stone contains over 90% silica, significantly higher than granite or porcelain.

Engineered quartz became the most used U.S. countertop material in 2021. However, its fabrication poses silicosis risks to workers due to high silica content (over 90%).

Australia has banned the material entirely. In the U.S., California's Cal/OSHA implemented emergency temporary rules in December 2023. The state has reported 95 worker silicosis cases and 10 deaths since 2019.

The rules mandate compliance with existing OSHA silica standards (effective September 2017) and Cal/OSHA will review inspection data after six months to determine if a prohibition on engineered stone is necessary.

The Agglomerated Stone Manufacturers Association (AStA), representing makers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Cosentino, supports the California measures. Regulatory focus is increasing as designers and homeowners weigh human safety in product selection.

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• Are America’s Favorite Countertops Going Away? (Forbes)

Source article: Are America’s Favorite Countertops Going Away? | Source publish time: Apr 03, 2024 | Source language: en

Some safety experts want California to stop the cutting of quartz countertops saying it can't be done safely. Lawmakers, meanwhile, contemplate a ban on workers' lawsuits against quartz manufacturers.

Embed Embed A stone countertop fabricator wears a mask to help protect against airborne particles, which can contribute to silicosis, at a shop in Sun Valley, Calif.

Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times hide caption An epidemic of a deadly lung disease among hundreds of workers who cut kitchen and bathroom countertops has regulators on opposite sides of the country considering two drastically different responses this week.

In a California hearing on Thursday, workplace safety regulators will be discussing a proposed ban on cutting so-called quartz or engineered stone, a popular choice for countertops. That's because this material creates an unusual amount of lung-damaging silica dust when it gets cut or polished, far more than natural granite or marble.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Republicans on a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee convened a hearing to discuss a bill that would instead ban workers' ability to bring lawsuits against the companies that manufacture and sell the raw slabs of this engineered material. "They've got it backwards.

It's not the lawsuits that should be banned, it's the stone slabs that should be banned, because they are deadly and they cannot be fabricated safely," says Raphael Metzger , an attorney in California who represents numerous countertop workers and says hundreds of lawsuits are ongoing.

But Minnesota-based Cambria, the main manufacturer of the engineered quartz slabs in the United States, says that in addition to producing the raw slabs that it sells to distributors and countertop fabricators, it also runs a few of its own fabrication shops that cut slabs to order while controlling the dust with ventilation and wet cutting techniques.

"This demonstrates that quartz can be fabricated safely," said Rebecca Shult, the chief legal officer of Cambria in the Wednesday hearing on Capitol Hill. "Our workers are protected." She pointed the finger at countertop businesses that cut raw slabs on the cheap without the necessary protections.

"It's outrageous that these American sweatshops are not being shut down," she said. While Cambria is facing around 400 lawsuits from workers with lung disease who were employed in other companies, she said, "Cambria has no control over these third party businesses and their dangerous conditions. We don't own them and we don't operate them.

…The wrong parties are being sued." "In my years in occupational health, I have never seen an industry say, 'We sell a dangerous product but we have no responsibility for it once it leaves our factory, and rather than protect workers downstream, we are the ones who need protection from lawsuits,'" says David Michaels , an epidemiologist with George Washington University and a former director of OSHA, the federal workplace safety agency.

The countertop industry is in a crisis that's been growing quickly in recent years. In California alone, nearly 500 workers who manufacture kitchen countertops by cutting slabs of natural and artificial stone have fallen ill since 2019 with a serious and irreversible lung disease. There, more than 50 have needed lung transplants, and 27 workers have died.

Most are Hispanic men in their 40s or 30s, or even younger. "We fear the numbers will only continue to climb," said Alice Berliner, director of the Office of Worker Health & Safety for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a December public meeting . "Each number is a partner, a friend, a parent, a child, or a sibling.

These are human lives, not just numbers." Additional workers have gotten sick in other states, including Texas, New York, Colorado and Washington. Massachusetts just found its first case, in a Hispanic man in his 40s who, for the past 14 years, had worked for stone countertop fabrication and installation companies.

One sickened worker, Leobardo Segura Meza, told a workplace safety board in California in 2023 that he worried there were "not enough lungs" for all the transplants that would be needed in this industry, which employs about 100,000 people nationwide.

Despite the recent passage of stricter workplace standards in California, Berliner said her team's visits to small and medium-sized countertop fabrication shops show that compliance with the rules remains low.

She said that over the last six months, while visiting more than a hundred fabrication shops, the safety officials did not observe any workers wearing the appropriate level of respiratory protection during high-risk cutting and polishing tasks.

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• Kitchen countertop workers are dying. Some lawmakers want to ban their lawsuits (NPR)

Source article: Kitchen countertop workers are dying. Some lawmakers want to ban their lawsuits | Source publish time: Jan 14, 2026 | Source language: en

/PRNewswire/ — What is the Market Size of Quartz Stone? The global Quartz Stone Market was estimated to be worth USD 14470 Million in 2024 and is forecast to…

BANGALORE, India , Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The global Quartz Stone Market was estimated to be worth USD 14470 Million in 2024 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 30880 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period 2025-2031.

Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-34E8655/Global_Quartz_Stone_Market What are the key factors driving the growth of the Quartz Stone Market? The Quartz Stone Market is growing through premium surface positioning and vertically integrated manufacturing models.

Companies are leveraging brand-driven distribution strategies across residential and commercial construction channels. Leading manufacturers are prioritizing engineered quartz slabs and tiles for enhanced durability and stain resistance. Product innovation focuses on aesthetic customization to compete with natural stone and solid surface materials.

Fabricators and distributors are expanding showroom networks to improve market visibility and customer engagement. Stronger contractor partnerships are helping accelerate product specification across projects. Demand is rising in applications such as kitchen countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and hospitality interiors.

Portfolios increasingly highlight consistent coloration and large-format designs to meet modern architectural preferences. Manufacturers are emphasizing scratch-resistant finishes to align with durability expectations in high-traffic environments.

Source from Valuates Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-34E8655/global-quartz-stone TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE QUARTZ STONE MARKET: Quartz tile products are gaining specification in flooring and wall cladding applications where uniform appearance and structural durability are essential.

Large-format tile offerings reduce grout lines, improve visual continuity, and align with contemporary minimalist design preferences. Manufacturers are refining surface finishes that replicate natural stone textures while maintaining engineered consistency.

Enhanced resistance to moisture and staining supports installation in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic commercial spaces. Fabricators are optimizing cutting and finishing processes to support modular tile deployment in residential and hospitality projects.

The expansion of decorative and functional tile applications strengthens engineered quartz penetration in architectural interiors, which in turn is driving the Quartz Stone Market growth. Quartz surface slabs remain central to countertop and worktop installations in residential kitchens and commercial food preparation environments.

Producers are differentiating through advanced resin formulations, refined veining patterns, and color stability that replicate marble aesthetics without associated maintenance challenges. Integrated distribution networks connect manufacturers with fabricators and builders to streamline project execution.

Consistent slab thickness and mechanical strength enable use in islands, vanity tops, and reception counters. Marketing emphasis on hygiene, durability, and design flexibility supports premium brand positioning.

The sustained demand for low-maintenance, high-performance countertop materials reinforces engineered quartz slab adoption across renovation and new construction projects, which in turn is driving the Quartz Stone Market growth.

Residential renovation and new housing development continue to specify quartz surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, and decorative wall panels due to durability and visual consistency.

In commercial environments, quartz is being integrated into retail counters, hospitality interiors, healthcare facilities, and corporate office spaces where hygiene and longevity are priorities. Contractors value uniform material performance and simplified maintenance requirements.

Designers leverage wide color palettes and textured finishes to match contemporary architectural themes. Commercial real estate upgrades and premium residential remodeling are reinforcing specification preference for engineered quartz over natural alternatives.

Broader application across living and business environments strengthens steady material demand, which in turn is driving the Quartz Stone Market growth.

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• Quartz Stone Market to Reach USD 30.88 Billion by 2031, Growing at 11.6% CAGR | Valuates Reports (PR Newswire)

Source article: Quartz Stone Market to Reach USD 30.88 Billion by 2031, Growing at 11.6% CAGR | Valuates Reports | Source publish time: Feb 19, 2026 | Source language: en

Editor's note

For importers and fabricators, this ruling reinforces that standard wholesale purchase agreements for finished quartz slabs are distinct from franchise relationships. It reduces legal ambiguity for manufacturers distributing through independent installers, potentially encouraging clearer, transaction-based supply contracts. Buyers should note that termination of a wholesale supply agreement typically does not carry the same protections as a franchise termination, emphasizing the importance of contract terms over statutory claims.

The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed a ruling in favor of quartz countertop manufacturer Cambria Company LLC, determining that its business relationship with installer M&M Creative Laminants did not constitute a franchise under the Minnesota Franchise Act. The court held that payments made by M&M for fabricated quartz products at a bona fide wholesale price, which included fabrication services, fell under the Act's 'wholesale-goods exception' and were not a 'franchise fee.' The decision, issued on September 11, 2024, clarifies that such standard wholesale transactions for finished goods do not trigger franchise protections, even when the buyer is an out-of-state company engaged in long-term business with a Minnesota-based manufacturer.

On September 11, 2024, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of quartz slab manufacturer Cambria Company LLC in a dispute with countertop installer M&M Creative Laminants. The court affirmed that the parties' business relationship, active from 2008 to 2016, was not a franchise under the Minnesota Franchise Act (MFA).

The key finding was that M&M's payments to Cambria for fabricated quartz countertops constituted purchases at a 'bona fide wholesale price,' which is explicitly exempt from the definition of a franchise fee. The court rejected M&M's claim that the termination of their supply relationship violated the MFA.

It also clarified that the MFA's protections are not categorically unavailable to out-of-state companies, as M&M had conducted continuous business with the Minnesota-based Cambria for eight years, including sending personnel for training.

The ruling centered on the statutory 'wholesale-goods exception,' noting M&M's business model involved purchasing finished slabs and reselling them at a markup.

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• Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up , FRANCHISING & DISTRIBUTION—Minn. Sup. Ct.: Countertop installer did not pay manufacturer valid ‘franchise fee’ under Minnesota Act , (Sep 12, 2024) (VitalLaw.com)

Source article: Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up , FRANCHISING & DISTRIBUTION—Minn. Sup. Ct.: Countertop installer did not pay manufacturer valid ‘franchise fee’ under Minnesota Act , (Sep 12, 2024) | Source publish time: Sep 12, 2024 | Source language: en

Editor's note

Importers and fabricators should monitor TSMDC's progress in quartz and granite mining in Telangana, India. Successful project development could signal new, potentially large-scale sources of raw quartz and dimensional stone for the global slab market in the medium term, potentially affecting supply chains and pricing. However, timelines depend on final clearances and operational scale-up.

The Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation (TSMDC) is expanding from sand sales into dimensional stone mining. It has secured statutory clearances for granite quarries in Karimnagar district and is pursuing permits for quartz and feldspar mining in parts of Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts. Samples have been collected from the Gundyala range forest area. The corporation is also evaluating marble deposits in Bhadradri-Kothagudem and Khammam districts. This move follows significant revenue from sand sales, driven by a construction boom, and includes enhanced IT monitoring of operations.

Following substantial revenue from sand sales, the Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation (TSMDC) is now focusing on dimensional stone mining.

The corporation has obtained statutory clearances for granite quarries in Kothagattu village, Karimnagar district, and has submitted proposals for quarrying in over 54 hectares in Tallapusapalle and Namilikonda villages, pending forest department approvals.

Concurrently, TSMDC is seeking clearances for quartz and feldspar mining in parts of the former Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts. It has already collected samples from the Gundyala range forest area after surveying and identifying high-potential zones. Applications for quarry leases are in process.

Additionally, evaluation of marble deposits around Yellandu in Bhadradri-Kothagudem and Khammam districts is underway. The corporation reported sand sales revenue of ₹5,072.76 crore, expected to rise further due to a real estate and construction boom.

To support operations, TSMDC has deployed IT infrastructure, including IP-based CC cameras for 24/7 monitoring of over 70 sand reaches and a call center with a tele-helpline to curb illegal activities and provide real-time price information.

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• After sand sales TSMDC now eyeing dimensional stone mining (The Hindu)

Source article: After sand sales TSMDC now eyeing dimensional stone mining | Source publish time: December 30, 2022 | Source language: en

February 23, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE – Granite & Quartz Wholesale, a leading stone supplier in Wilder, Kentucky,

Granite & Quartz Wholesale, a leading stone supplier in Wilder, Kentucky , highlights its expanded selection of premium marble countertops as homeowners and commercial developers increasingly seek luxury natural stone surfaces for their projects.

The company’s direct access to quarries enables them to offer unique selections that meet the growing demand for high-quality stone materials in both residential and commercial applications.

The increased interest in marble countertops reflects broader trends in home improvement and commercial design, where natural stone surfaces continue to gain popularity for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value.

Industry data shows that demand for premium stone surfaces has steadily risen as property owners recognize the benefits of investing in quality materials that combine beauty with functionality.

“The market for luxury stone surfaces has evolved significantly, with marble experiencing renewed interest among homeowners and designers who appreciate its timeless elegance and unique veining patterns,” said Stacie, Director of Sales at the company.

“Our direct relationships with quarries allow us to source exceptional marble selections that might not be available through traditional retail channels, giving our clients access to truly distinctive materials for their projects.” Marble countertops offer distinct advantages that appeal to discerning property owners.

Each slab features unique natural patterns that cannot be replicated, ensuring that every installation becomes a one-of-a-kind centerpiece. The material’s heat resistance makes it particularly suitable for kitchen applications, while its classic appearance enhances property values in both residential and commercial settings.

The company’s expertise extends beyond marble to include granite, quartz, and quartzite options, allowing clients to compare materials and select the best solution for their specific needs. This comprehensive approach helps customers understand the maintenance requirements, durability characteristics, and aesthetic possibilities of each material type.

Proper maintenance ensures that marble countertops retain their beauty for decades. Regular sealing protects the surface from staining, while daily cleaning with mild soap and water maintains the stone’s natural luster.

The company provides detailed care instructions to help property owners protect their investment and maintain the pristine appearance of their stone surfaces. Commercial developers and home builders throughout the region rely on marble countertops for their projects, recognizing the value that premium stone surfaces add to properties.

The wholesale pricing structure makes luxury materials more accessible, enabling builders to incorporate high-end finishes that distinguish their properties in competitive markets.

Granite & Quartz Wholesale LLC’s marble countertops fabrication capabilities ensure precise customization for each project, whether creating countertops for a single residential kitchen or supplying materials for large-scale commercial developments.

Their experienced team handles everything from initial material selection through final installation, maintaining quality standards throughout the process. Granite & Quartz Wholesale, LLC specializes in custom countertop fabrication for residential and commercial properties.

The company sources materials directly from quarries, providing clients with access to premium granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite selections. Their comprehensive services include material sourcing, custom fabrication, and professional installation, serving home builders, contractors, and individual homeowners throughout the region.

For more information about Granite & Quartz Wholesale, LLC, contact the company here: Granite & Quartz Wholesale, LLC Stacie (859) 279-3128 [email protected] Granite & Quartz Wholesale, LLC Wilder, KY 41076, United States Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider.

XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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• Granite & Quartz Wholesale Showcases Premium Marble Countertops to Meet Rising Demand for Luxury Stone Surfaces (The Register-Guard)

Source article: Granite & Quartz Wholesale Showcases Premium Marble Countertops to Meet Rising Demand for Luxury Stone Surfaces | Source publish time: Feb 23, 2026 | Source language: en

You've probably seen fabricated stone countertops on an HGTV remodeling show — and you might even have them in your own home.

You've probably seen fabricated stone countertops on an HGTV remodeling show — and you might even have them in your own home. The durable, affordable, and highly customizable product debuted in Italy in the 1970s and continues to grow in popularity. Between 2010 and 2018, U.S.

imports of engineered stone slabs increased by 800% . One report predicted that global demand will increase 5.4% each year, to reach 97 million square meters by 2028.

Sometimes referred to as manufactured stone or quartz (which is, confusingly, also the name of one of its main components), to the untrained eye, the material looks no different from natural stone. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be made to resemble marble, granite, or nearly any other stone.

Beneath the material’s familiar smooth surface, however, lie safety risks for engineered stone workers. Research conducted by a team of Georgia Tech scientists demonstrates that everyone in a fabrication shop is at risk, not just the workers cutting and fashioning the material.

The group included members of the Enterprise Innovation Institute ’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Services (SHES) program: Jenny Houlroyd , Hilarie Warren , Brandon J. Philpot , and Sean Castillo . Together with Jhy-Charm Soo of Georgia Southern University, they recently published their findings in Oxford Academic .

The study divided engineered stone workers into four risk groups and charted their relative exposure to the material’s chief hazard: respirable crystalline silica. Engineered stone differs notably from its natural counterpart, both in composition and in danger to worker health.

A stone slab cut from the ground, such as granite or marble, comprises several different minerals and typically has a concentration of 40% or less of mineral crystalline silica — usually quartz, which is the most abundant form of crystalline silica. Engineered stone, however, can contain more than 90% silica.

Slabs are produced when silica is crushed, combined with synthetic resins, and compressed using heat or pressure. During fabrication, these slabs are cut and shaped by powered hand tools. The resulting dust contains tiny particles of respirable crystalline silica.

Once inhaled, some of the particulate may stay in the lungs and cause an inflammatory response. While crystalline silica is released from both natural and engineered slabs during fabrication, the engineered slabs’ significantly higher percentage of silica poses a much greater risk to human health.

A growing body of research indicates that breathing engineered stone dust leads to lung inflammation and can cause acute silicosis, an untreatable lung disease. “I would classify engineered stone as a really toxic product,” said Houlroyd, manager of occupational health services at SHES.

“When you have something that’s high-risk, you have to prepare for systems to fail and have backup measures.” Over six years, the SHES research group collected air-sampling data, making 17 visits to 11 Georgia stone fabrication shops. The shops had all requested air-sampling services offered by SHES.

“The companies agree that by working with us, they commit to correcting the hazards and reducing exposures, as much as is feasible,” Houlroyd noted. Because most kitchen and bathroom countertop fabrication shops are small employers, workers often complete a variety of tasks, resulting in a range of exposure factors.

The research team recommended that all manufactured stone fabrication workers wear respirators, such as an N95 mask. For employees who are the most exposed, they recommended a respirator with a powered air-purifying element or supplied air.

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• Scientists Pinpoint Hazards for Engineered Stone Fabrication Shop Workers (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Source article: Scientists Pinpoint Hazards for Engineered Stone Fabrication Shop Workers | Source publish time: Jul 28, 2025 | Source language: en