AMA Backs Ban on Engineered Stone Countertops
The American Medical Association adopted policy supporting a prohibition on engineered stone countertops containing more than 1% crystalline silica.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Asthma
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Should engineered stone countertops be banned to protect workers from silicosis?
The American Medical Association announced support for banning engineered stone countertops with more than 1% crystalline silica, citing severe health risks to fabrication workers. The policy follows reports from the California Department of Public Health that at least 75 California stoneworkers have undergone lung transplants since 2019 after developing silicosis.
Why it matters
Silicosis is an incurable lung disease associated with breathing in silica dust, and hundreds of California stoneworkers have been diagnosed with it. The AMA cited a rise in silicosis among countertop fabricators across the globe as a reason for its policy.
The California Department of Public Health reported at least 75 lung transplants among stoneworkers since 2019, a figure that does not indicate how many workers nationwide are affected. Physicians have reported silicosis cases in Colorado, Florida, Illinois and Texas, but California is the only state that systematically monitors the disease in this industry.
The players
American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the largest association of physicians in the United States, founded in 1847 and known for setting medical ethics standards and advocating health policy.
California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health is the state agency responsible for public health programs, disease surveillance and health policy across California.
The details
The AMA opposes manufacturing, importing, distribution, sale, fabrication and installation of engineered stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica across the United States. The association also advocates for helping stoneworkers access medical screenings and for improving silicosis surveillance.
Timeline
2019: Stoneworker lung transplants in California began occurring.
2024: Australia banned engineered stone.
November 15, 2026: The AMA announced its support for an engineered stone ban.
Health Landscape
The AMA's position follows Australia's 2024 ban on engineered stone, extending a regulatory approach to the United States. The policy reflects growing international concern over silicosis among countertop fabricators.
Workers who cut, grind or fabricate engineered stone face exposure to silica dust that can cause silicosis. Access to medical screenings and surveillance could help identify the disease earlier in affected workers.
The takeaway
Anyone who works with or installs stone countertops should ask about dust control and medical screening. Early detection of silicosis is critical because the disease has no cure.
Further reading
Learn more about respiratory conditions in our Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Should engineered stone countertops be banned to protect workers from silicosis?
