Source: California Department of Public Health
2. Exposure to silica dust from engineered stone causes the rapid onset of silicosis. In contrast to silicosis after workplace exposure to other silica-containing materials, silicosis caused by engineered stone dust is more severe and occurs more quickly. The short duration of exposure, severe disease and relatively young age of workers has been observed around the globe in countries where engineered stone has caused silicosis. 4 In the latest peer-reviewed publication from CDPH on silicosis cases in California, the authors found the median duration of exposure to silica dust from engineered stone was 19 years( range 1 to 39 years), with 24 patients experiencing exposure of less than 10 years. 5
3. Engineered stone is more toxic than other silica-containing materials such as natural stone. The progressive nature and relatively short latency of silicosis among workers exposed to engineered stone dust suggests unique toxicity that cannot be attributed solely to the high levels of respirable crystalline silica produced by these materials. The progressive nature and relatively short latency of silicosis among workers exposed to engineered stone dust suggests toxicity that cannot be attributed solely to the high levels of respirable crystalline silica but may be due to a uniquely synergistic effect of crystalline silica together with other components. The polyester resins used in engineered stone can break down into volatile organic compounds( VOCs) during the fabrication process. Many of these VOCs are respiratory irritants or carcinogens. Engineered stone dust also contains trace metals that can cause inflammation in the lungs. Researchers have found VOCs and silica nanoparticles( in the sub-100 nm fraction) in aerosols released during the fabrication
4
Hua JT, Zell-Baran L, Go LHT, Kramer MR, Van Bree JB, Chambers D, Deller D, Newbigin K, Matula M, Fireman E, Dahbash M, Martinez-Gonzalez C, León-Jimenez A, Sack C, Ferrer J, Villar A, Almberg KS, Cohen RA, Rose CS. Demographic, exposure and clinical characteristics in a multinational registry of engineered stone workers with silicosis. Occup Environ Med. 2022 May 3; 79( 9): 586 – 93.
5
Flattery J, Woolsey C, Fazio JC, Gandhi SA, Heinzerling A, Harrison RJ, Cummings KJ. Silicosis Surveillance in California, 2019-2024: Tracking an Epidemic. Am J Public Health. 2025 Nov; 115( 11): 1913-1921.
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