Los Angeles, California
Jeffrey Nadrich, Founder and Managing Attorney of Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, supports a proposed California ban on engineered stone fabrication due to the serious silicosis risks associated with fabrication of the material.
Nadrich, whose firm represents workers in silicosis lawsuits, notes that exposure to crystalline silica in quartz countertops has led to workers developing devastating lung diseases.
“Stronger regulatory action is necessary to prevent further harm,” Nadrich said.
The Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association (WOEMA) has petitioned California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board, asking the board to prohibit the fabrication and installation of engineered stone containing over one percent crystalline silica.
The petition notes that there is an “epidemic” of silicosis “causing disabling disease and death” in California workers due to the workers’ exposure to crystalline silica dust.
The petition notes that an Australian ban on the manufacturing, supply and use of engineered stone was confirmed by an Australian government evaluation to be “largely working as expected” and protecting workers.
Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It is an irreversible, progressive and potentially fatal lung disease. Engineered stone can contain over 90 percent crystalline silica, far more than natural stones like marble.
There have been 543 confirmed cases of engineered stone-related silicosis in California since 2019, according to the California Department of Public Health. These cases have included 30 deaths, with the median age at diagnosis being 46 and the median age at death being 51. Over 200 of these cases were confirmed in 2025 alone. Of the 543 cases, 58 workers have undergone lung transplants.
Nadrich adds that affected workers may have legal options to pursue compensation from manufacturers, distributors and other responsible parties. Nadrich notes that even immigrants can make claims, and that artificial stone manufacturers and other viable defendants may be held liable for silicosis cases.
About Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeffrey Nadrich is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, a California-based personal injury law firm with 17 offices statewide. The firm has represented injured Californians since 1990, including workers affected by hazardous exposures such as silica dust, asbestos, paraquat, and Roundup.
Known for its responsive legal team and trial-ready approach, the firm offers free consultations and does not charge upfront legal fees.
Last modified: April 24, 2026
