The hazards associated with respirable crystalline silica are well documented, and growing evidence shows that engineered stone toxicity is causing a public health emergency and an elevated occupational health risk when fabrication controls are inadequate.
How California is Addressing Silicosis Risks from Engineered Stone
California regulators are moving toward banning engineered stone products that contain more than 1% crystalline silica, following a surge in silicosis cases among stone fabrication workers.
This would be a significant step toward restricting artificial-stone countertops, which remain popular with consumers but have been linked to a workplace epidemic of silicosis. The rapid rise in cases among stone workers aligns with the growth of engineered-stone countertops over the past two decades.
Silicosis cases associated with engineered stone fabrication have also been reported in multiple U.S. states, stressing the urgency of proactive exposure assessments, effective control strategies, and defensible analytical data.
Why Engineered Stone Presents Elevated Risk
A key driver of concern is the silica content differential between natural and engineered materials:
- Natural granite typically contains 10–45% crystalline silica
- Engineered stone may contain up to 95% crystalline silica
This significantly higher silica content means routine fabrication activities can generate extremely high airborne concentrations when controls are inadequate. Without proper engineering controls, workers may reach hazardous exposure levels in a short time frame.
Importance for Industrial Hygiene Programs
These alerts reinforce several critical IH priorities:
- Verifying that exposure assessments reflect current materials and processes
- Evaluating whether existing controls are sufficient for engineered stone tasks
- Conducting regular, defensible air monitoring for respirable crystalline silica
- Ensuring sampling and analytical methods align with evolving regulatory expectations
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and enforcement actions become more likely, taking proactive measures is crucial for staying ahead and ensuring compliance.
How SGS Can Help Manage Your Silica Exposure Risks
SGS supports industrial hygiene programs with end-to-end silica sampling and analytical services, helping organizations better understand exposure risks and support compliance efforts.
Our capabilities include:
- Personal and area air sampling for respirable crystalline silica
- Accredited laboratory analysis using validated methods
- Data that supports exposure assessments, risk evaluations, and corrective actions
- Technical expertise to help interpret results and guide next steps
As engineered stone steadily captures a larger share of the market, it is crucial to address exposure risks with accuracy and expertise.
Do you work with engineered stone or support teams that do? See how SGS can assist you with silica exposure testing and industrial hygiene support.