American Medical Association backs a ban on high-silica ‘quartz’ countertops as 644 California stoneworkers have an incurable lung disease

The American Medical Association now supports banning engineered stone countertops that contain more than 1% crystalline silica, the mineral whose dust causes the lung disease silicosis.  The physicians’ group adopted the policy Nov. 9 at its interim meeting in Orlando.

Engineered stone, often sold as quartz, is the most common countertop material in the U.S. and is more than 90% crystalline silica, according to the AMA.  Cutting or dry-grinding it makes very fine dust that can be breathed deep into the lungs.  Silicosis scars the lungs, has no cure and can lead to respiratory failure and death.

As of Sept. 16, the California Department of Public Health had identified 644 cases among California countertop workers, including at least 35 deaths and 75 lung transplants, with 53 more people referred for transplants.  Most are young Latino immigrants, the department told state regulators.

What the AMA wants

• Countertops:  the AMA opposes making, importing, selling, cutting or installing engineered stone with more than 1% crystalline silica.  It also wants better tracking of silicosis cases and easier access to screening and care.  The best prevention is countertop material with less than 1% silica, cut with proper dust control, said AMA board member Dr. Sheila Rege, a radiation oncologist.
• Peptides:  the AMA wants federal health officials to reverse recent moves that eased limits on pharmacies mixing synthetic peptides the Food and Drug Administration has not approved.  Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and the AMA says the market for synthetic ones is growing quickly.  The AMA says unapproved ones lack evidence of safety, effectiveness and quality, and it wants enforcement against telehealth sites and online sellers offering them.
• E-bikes and scooters:  the AMA asked Congress to create a task force to recommend minimum national safety rules, including universal helmet use, age limits, and power and speed limits.  It cited a JAMA Pediatrics study that found a 33% rise in e-bike crashes, emergency room visits and deaths among children.

California’s rule

In May, California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted unanimously to start emergency rulemaking to prohibit cutting and installing artificial stone with more than 1% crystalline silica.  Cal/OSHA, the state’s workplace safety agency, posted an updated draft rule Oct. 22.  It has not been adopted.

What readers can do

• If you are remodeling, ask your fabricator about countertop materials with less than 1% crystalline silica, the choice the AMA recommends.
• Before using a peptide injection sold online or through a telehealth service, check whether the FDA has approved it.
• Wear a helmet on an e-bike or scooter, and make sure children do too.  The AMA supports universal helmet use.

Sources:  AMA news release, Nov. 9, 2026; California Department of Public Health comments to Cal/OSHA, Sept. 30, 2026 (PDF); California Department of Industrial Relations news release, May 22, 2026; Cal/OSHA emergency silica rulemaking page.