California Tackles Silicosis Epidemic Killing Countertop Stonecutters

A new law aims to protect workers, but some say a ban on engineered stone is the only real solution.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A new law in California aims to address a rapidly growing silicosis epidemic among stone fabrication workers cutting engineered stone countertops. The disease has killed 29 people and sickened hundreds more in the state in recent years. While the law imposes stronger regulations, some doctors and public health officials say stricter industry rules are not enough and that only a full ban on engineered stone, as enacted in Australia, will stem the tide of disease and death.

Why it matters

Silicosis has become a public health crisis among stone fabrication workers in California, with the disease disproportionately affecting a vulnerable population of predominantly immigrant Latino men. The state is now facing a rapidly surging epidemic, with cases increasing by 100% in Los Angeles County last year alone. This highlights the need for urgent action to protect these workers from the deadly illness.

The details

Engineered stone contains a much higher crystalline silica content (more than 90%) compared to natural stone such as granite (30%) or marble (less than 10%). When cutting artificial stone, the toxic soup of airborne microscopic dust particles is much easier for workers to inhale, leading to rapid onset of silicosis, a progressive and incurable occupational lung disease. Most fabrication shops are small businesses that struggle to meet the updated requirements for working with engineered stone safely.

  • In 2022, Oscar was diagnosed with silicosis at the age of 45 after working nearly seven days a week for over 15 years cutting and polishing stone countertops.
  • In 2024, Oscar received a double lung transplant after spending about two years on supplemental oxygen.
  • California passed SB 20, the first law in the nation to address the growing silicosis epidemic, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

The players

Oscar

A 45-year-old man who was diagnosed with silicosis after working for over 15 years cutting and polishing engineered stone countertops in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

Robert Harrison

A physician and clinical professor of medicine who founded and directed the Occupational Health Program at UC San Francisco, and has been researching and treating acute silicosis for more than a decade.

California Department of Public Health

The state agency that has recorded 529 cases and 29 deaths from engineered stone silicosis since it began tracking cases in 2019.

Cambria

The leading domestic manufacturer of engineered stone countertops in the United States.

Senator Caroline Menjivar

The author of SB 20, the first law in the nation to address the growing silicosis epidemic among stone fabrication workers.

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What they’re saying

“We've had a collective failure to protect fabrication workers against the dangers of engineered stone. We need to do something quite urgently to really tackle this problem.”

— Robert Harrison, Physician and Clinical Professor of Medicine

“Prohibiting artificial stone and going to safer alternatives is a form of a safety seat belt to protect workers against the most toxic form of silica. It'll be a very effective tool in starting to end this epidemic.”

— Robert Harrison, Physician and Clinical Professor of Medicine

“While this bill alone will not end silicosis from stone fabrication activities, we are taking decisive steps to increase tracking, accountability, and enforcement.”

— Senator Caroline Menjivar

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.