Unfortunately, the number of people battling silicosis around the world has nearly doubled in recent years, with one group facing a severe risk — quartz countertop workers. Of the hundreds of quartz countertop workers estimated to develop silicosis in California, nearly 20% may die, according to California’s Department of Industrial Relations. Quartz countertop workers must cut, sand, polish, and install these countertops, which release silica dust into the air. However, as demand for these countertops continues to rise, so does the threat of silicosis for quartz countertop fabricators. Nearly 1 in 5 quartz countertop workers in Australia develop silicosis, which has prompted Australian officials to consider a sweeping ban on engineered stone.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 21, 2023 22:30 UTC