One of the most popular types of kitchen countertops will soon face a ban in California due to its link to a serious lung disease, The New York Times reported this week, citing an emergency regulation that is expected to be passed by the state later this month.
The ban will target quartz countertops that have more than 1% of crystalline silica, a naturally occurring mineral that is found in stone and other materials.
What health risks does crystalline silica pose?
When crystalline silica is cut or drilled through, it creates dust. If that dust is inhaled, it can cause numerous health conditions, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The disease can be fatal, but symptoms do not typically occur directly after an exposure to crystalline silica dust. Instead, it can take 15 to 20 years after exposure before someone is diagnosed with the disease.
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According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to the harmful dust most often occurs in occupational settings, making those who work with the material every day the most at risk. An estimated 2.3 million US workers are exposed to silica through work.
Silicosis is similar to asbestosis, which is caused by exposure to asbestos, a now-banned building material that was once widely used throughout the US.
In addition to silicosis, exposure to crystalline silica dust can cause an increased risk of developing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease, according to OSHA. As of now, quartz countertops are used in every state in the US. California would be the first to implement a ban.
It’s unclear whether other states will follow California, but as of now, Australia is the only country in the world with a quartz ban, which took effect in 2024.
Regardless, quartz remains an extremely popular option throughout the world, with some estimates putting the global quartz market at $14.8 billion as of 2026.
What are alternatives to quartz?
Other countertop options include soapstone or granite. Although other stone countertops can still have crystalline silica in them, quartz typically has the highest content, which is why it has been the most scrutinized.
To stay away from crystalline silica entirely, a wooden countertop is one of the best alternatives.
Corin Cesaric-Epple is an Editor at CNET covering home and kitchen tech and meal kits, and reporting regularly on artificial intelligence. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Before joining CNET, she covered crime at People Magazine and national and international news for NBC Local Television Stations.
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