California moves toward first-in-U.S. quartz countertop ban

California is moving toward becoming the first state in the U.S. to implement a ban on engineered quartz countertops. This regulatory action follows reports that hundreds of workers have developed silicosis, a serious lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust during the fabrication process. The state aims to protect worker health by restricting the use of these materials, marking a significant shift in construction and interior design regulations to prevent further occupational illness across the region.