Changes to Cal/OSHA’s silica regulation have become permanent to help protect countertop workers in California. As the silicosis rate among these workers continues to climb, strict requirements for wet methods, highly protective respiratory protection, air monitoring, and housekeeping, introduced in the 2024 Silica Emergency Temporary Standard will continue.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a progressive, permanent lung disease caused by breathing respirable-sized crystalline silica dust. Repeated exposure to silica dust can cause serious lung and kidney damage, often resulting in death. As of February 2025, almost 255 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, 30 have had lung transplants, and 15 have died.
While silica standards have been in place for some time, the use of artificial stone materials – with its high silica content – justifies the need for better controls to protect workers in stone-cutting and other industries with high silica exposure.
To help you implement all the requirements, including those in the permanent standard, take a look at our silica program exposure control plans for both Artificial and Natural Stone Industries (countertop industry) and General Non-Countertop Stone Industries. And, for more detailed information on the silica standard, see What’s in the 2025 Silica Permanent Standard.