Countertop Manufacturers Seek Protections from Silicosis Lawsuits

Manufacturers of artificial stone countertops linked to a wave of diseases caused by silica dust exposure are attempting to avoid accountability by lobbying for legislation for protection from silica exposure lawsuits.

The move comes amid increasing reports of countertop workers across the country developing silicosis, a serious lung disease linked to the fine silica dust released when engineered stone is cut and shaped.

Health experts warn that manufacturers and regulators are not doing enough to protect workers from silica exposure. 

Rather than focusing on safety and protecting workers, manufacturers and distributors have taken their case to Congress as silica exposure lawsuits continue to rise.

Stone Countertop Workers and Silicosis Risks

In Kentucky, 55-year-old grandfather Jeff Rose spent years fabricating quartz countertops. He now struggles with silicosis impacting his daily life, making it difficult to perform basic activities like climbing stairs. His son followed him into the same trade and was diagnosed with the disease at a much younger age.

Rose told the New York Times that he feels “caught between a rock and a hard place.” As a part-owner of the business, he is dealing with his illness while also considering a silica dust lawsuit to hold manufacturers accountable.

Los Angeles Jury Returns $52.4M Silica Dust Exposure Lawsuit

In 2024, a Los Angeles jury awarded $52.4 million to a former stone fabricator who developed silicosis after years of exposure. That lawsuit named multiple companies in the supply chain, including Cambria, a large engineered stone manufacturer.

Symptoms and Early Signs of Silicosis

Silicosis develops slowly and is caused by inhaling silica dust, which scars the lungs over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Frequent lung infections
• Unexplained weight loss

As the disease progresses, breathing can become difficult even at rest. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent lung damage or the need for a lung transplant. There is no cure.

Experts Warn Silica Exposure Limits May Not Protect Workers

Doctors and workplace safety experts say current silica exposure limits may not be enough. According to testimony, a former OSHA leader told Congress that existing standards for engineered stone may already be outdated and need to be revised.

How Limits on Silicosis Lawsuits Could Impact Workers

If workers are no longer able to bring claims against manufacturers, they may be left to shoulder the cost of their illness on their own. That can include ongoing medical care, lost income, and the long-term financial impact of a disease. For many, there are few other paths to recover those losses. In addition, with little threat of government oversight, silica dust exposure lawsuits are a vital way to hold manufacturers accountable for their dangerous products and practices.