Brayton Purcell LLP has formally urged the United States Congress and the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to take immediate action regarding the escalating silicosis crisis affecting workers in the artificial stone fabrication industry. In a comprehensive letter submitted on January 23, 2026, the law firm highlighted the alarming health risks faced by approximately 700 workers—nearly 500 located in California and almost 200 spread across 22 other states—who have developed silicosis and related diseases due to exposure to hazardous silica dust.
The artificial stone, often referred to as quartz, engineered stone, or manufactured stone, contains at least 90% crystalline silica. The remaining 10% comprises toxic metals, resins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This combination leads to the release of ultrafine, nano-sized silica particles during the fabrication process, which cannot be effectively controlled, even in advanced manufacturing environments. The firm’s findings align with extensive research, as indicated by hundreds of global medical and scientific publications.
Addressing a Worsening Public Health Emergency
The letter emphasizes critical data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), revealing that **487** fabrication workers in California have confirmed cases of silicosis, with **688** out of **1,276** fabrication shops—approximately **54%**—documenting instances of the disease. This data suggests that the silicosis crisis is widespread and not limited to isolated “bad actor” facilities, contradicting claims made by foreign slab manufacturers.
Brayton Purcell LLP asserts that the fabrication of artificial stone is inherently dangerous. The firm states, “Over **100** published peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies underscore the impossibility of its safe fabrication.” The unique toxicity of artificial stone is attributed to its high silica content, the ultra-fine dust released during production, and the presence of additional toxic substances.
A Growing Consensus for Change
There is a notable consensus among medical authorities in the United States and internationally regarding the need to address this preventable epidemic. The firm cites the Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association’s (WOEMA) petition to prohibit the use of crystalline silica artificial stone in California. The letter highlights that the **600+** occupational medicine doctors affiliated with WOEMA support this initiative, alongside organizations such as the AFL-CIO and several leading medical institutions.
Brayton Purcell LLP further points to Australia as an example of effective regulatory action. Following a ban on crystalline silica artificial stone, the industry transitioned to non-toxic recycled glass slabs that utilize amorphous silica. This shift did not result in job losses or market disruption, proving that safer alternatives exist.
Manufacturers and lobbying groups, including the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), have opposed the petition put forth by WOEMA. The law firm’s letter underscores that these organizations predominantly represent the interests of foreign manufacturers, who account for **99%** of crystalline silica artificial stone slabs sold in the U.S. market, generating over **$25 billion** annually.
A Moral Imperative for Immediate Action
Brayton Purcell LLP concludes the letter with a compelling call to action, stating, “Workers are dying, and the clock is ticking.” The firm argues that artificial stone’s unique toxicity makes it impossible to fabricate safely and that viable alternatives are readily available. By adopting the WOEMA petition and rejecting the ISFA proposal as well as the federal HR 5437 bill—which would shield foreign manufacturers from civil lawsuits—Congress and the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board can help safeguard countless lives.
The firm’s commitment to advocating for workers affected by toxic exposures is evident in its ongoing efforts to address the silicosis crisis. For more information, the complete letter to Congress and the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is available for review.
