As California Silicosis Cases Rise, Engineered Stone Industry Seeks Immunity in DC | KQED

"Resins and other chemicals added to the factory-made slabs contribute to making engineered stone dust more dangerous than dust from natural stones such as granite or marble, according to doctors. Cambria faces 400 lawsuits from stoneworkers for silica-related injuries, most of them in California, Schult said. Other major manufacturers facing lawsuits, such as Israel-based Caesarstone and Cosentino, headquartered in Spain, have developed low or no-crystalline silica alternatives."

"Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin said the courts should determine whether manufacturers have any responsibility for the impact of their products on stoneworkers. In one of the two cases against Cambria and other manufacturers that went to trial, the company was found partially liable in a $52.4 million verdict for failing to adequately warn of the hazards. Cambria appealed the jury decision. In a separate case, a jury ruled in favor of the defendant manufacturers, a decision that is also on appeal."

""You are looking for categorical absolute immunity in all of these cases," Raskin said in a testy exchange with Schult. "On your definition, there's no defect on the product, right? So how could you ever be held liable?" Cambria has emerged as a vocal opponent of a doctor's petition last month asking California to ban cutting and polishing of artificial stone."

Engineered stone can contain more than 90% crystalline silica. Resins and added chemicals in factory-made slabs increase engineered stone dust toxicity compared with natural stone dust. Cambria faces roughly 400 lawsuits from stoneworkers for silica-related injuries, mostly in California, while some competitors have developed low- or no-crystalline-silica alternatives. One trial produced a $52.4 million verdict finding partial liability for inadequate warnings, another trial favored defendants; both outcomes are under appeal. Cambria owns a quartz mine supplying high-silica products and has opposed a California petition to ban cutting and polishing; Australia banned high-silica artificial stone in 2024.

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