Source: Fortune
Summary
Engineered stone, commonly marketed as “quartz,” has become a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability and affordability. However, the production process releases crystalline silica particles, which can cause silicosis, a deadly disease, in workers who inhale them. In California, over 550 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, and at least 30 have died. The authors, an epidemiologist and a physician, believe this is a public health emergency. They argue that the trend is almost invisible outside of California because most states don’t track the incidence of the disease.
Our Reading
The strategy enters a familiar phase.
As the use of engineered stone increases globally, cases of silicosis among countertop fabrication workers are growing worldwide. In the US, hundreds of sick workers are suing manufacturers and distributors of these deadly countertops, as well as big-box stores that sell them. Ikea stopped selling engineered stone countertops in 2025, while Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Costco continue to sell crystalline silica products. The authors argue that until manufacturers stop producing and retailers stop selling engineered stone countertops containing crystalline silica, thousands of workers will continue to be exposed to deadly dust.
The numbers tell one story, but the human cost of silicosis is another.
