This advisory is being issued in response to the recent update to Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, which now designates silicosis as a reportable disease. As of July 2025, healthcare providers are required to report confirmed or suspected cases of silicosis to the local health department within seven calendar days of identification.
Silicosis cases among countertop fabrication workers in California—particularly those working with engineered stone (commonly used in "quartz countertops")— have continued to rise. Since 2019, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has conducted statewide, multi-source surveillance and has identified 432 confirmed cases of silicosis associated with engineered stone exposure as of November 13, 2025. Alarmingly, at least 25 workers have died, many in their 30s and 40s, and 48 have undergone lung transplants
Healthcare providers should:
- Screen for occupational exposure by asking patients about current and past work in countertop fabrication or similar industries.
- Follow current diagnostic guidelines, including imaging and pulmonary function testing, and refer patients early for specialized care.
- Report all confirmed or suspected cases to the local health department in the patient’s county of residence within 7 calendar days.
Alert: Silicosis Becomes a Reportable Disease in California
