California Will Consider Quartz Countertop Ban in October
The state aims to prohibit engineered stone with high silica content to protect workers from respiratory illness.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board will vote this October on a proposed ban regarding manufactured stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica. This regulatory move follows 657 confirmed silicosis cases and 35 related deaths among workers in the state since 2019.
Why it matters
The proposed rule addresses concerns that existing safety protocols are insufficient, as the industry's fragmented nature makes effective site inspections difficult. Authorities are taking action to mitigate health risks associated with the hazardous crystalline silica dust released during the fabrication of quartz products.
The proposed ban targets manufactured stone with more than 1% crystalline silica, a material used across an industry estimated at $30 billion. These figures are being weighed alongside the rising toll of 657 silicosis cases identified among stone workers since 2019.
The players
California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board
This state regulatory body is responsible for establishing safety protocols and protecting workers from workplace hazards.
Cambria
The largest manufacturer of engineered stone in the United States, based in Minnesota.
The details
Manufactured quartz contains crystalline silica, which becomes airborne as fine dust during the cutting and polishing processes required for home countertops. When inhaled by workers, this dust causes irreversible scar tissue formation in the lungs. Regulatory officials argue that the fragmented nature of the stone-fabrication industry prevents consistent application of safety controls, necessitating a ban on high-silica products to prevent further occupational disease.
Timeline
2019: California began recording silicosis data.
December: Massachusetts issued a public health advisory.
May: The Board voted to take up the proposed ban.
2024: Australia implemented a ban on quartz countertops.
October: The California Board is expected to pass the regulation.
The Home Front
California's proposal follows the pattern set by the 2024 Australian ban on quartz countertops. This shift reflects a growing regulatory focus on the long-term health consequences of materials used in modern home construction and renovation.
Homeowners currently planning kitchen or bathroom renovations should monitor the upcoming vote to understand potential future availability of specific stone materials. If you have concerns about the composition of surfaces in your home, consult a professional installer about material safety specifications.
The takeaway
While the regulatory change focuses on worker safety during fabrication, it marks a significant shift in the availability of common home renovation materials. Homeowners should stay informed on upcoming material standards and discuss safety certifications with contractors before selecting new countertops.
What happens next
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to hold the final vote on the proposed regulation in October.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in surface maintenance and material safety in our Home Cleaning section.
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