California Will Consider Ban on Manufactured Quartz

State officials aim to curb silicosis risks linked to engineered stone by implementing a restrictive new rule.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Home Cleaning

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a sharp-edged rectangular slab of manufactured quartz against a plain background, representing industry regulatory policy. — The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to vote this October on a proposal to ban manufactured stone products containing high levels of crystalline silica. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to pass a regulation this October banning manufactured stone products that contain more than 1% crystalline silica. This move follows a rise in lung-related health issues among workers who cut the material.

Why it matters

Regulators assert that existing industry safety standards are insufficient and fragmented, making effective workplace inspections difficult to maintain. The proposed ban seeks to mitigate the release of harmful silica dust during the cutting process.

The proposed rule targets products containing over 1% crystalline silica. The broader engineered-stone industry has an estimated market value of $30 billion.

The players

California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board

This state regulatory body is responsible for adopting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards.

Cambria

This Minnesota-based company is the largest United States manufacturer of engineered stone.

The details

Manufactured quartz releases crystalline silica dust into the air when cut, which causes the formation of scar tissue in the lungs. This regulatory action mirrors international efforts, as Australia enacted a total ban on the importation of these materials in 2024.

2019: California began recording silicosis data.
December: Massachusetts issued a public health advisory regarding silica dust.
May: The board voted to take up the proposed ban.
2024: Australia implemented a ban on quartz countertops.
October: The board is expected to pass the regulation.

Culture Shift

California is following the precedent set by the 2024 Australian ban on quartz countertops. This shift marks a broader transition toward eliminating hazardous construction materials in favor of safer alternatives.

The proposed ban will likely restrict the availability of certain countertop materials for renovation projects across the state. Homeowners may need to explore alternative surfacing materials that meet lower crystalline silica thresholds.

The takeaway

The move underscores a growing shift in the construction industry toward prioritizing worker respiratory health over traditional synthetic materials. Consumers planning home renovations should watch for upcoming changes in product availability and safety certifications for stone countertops.