National interview examines artificial stone silicosis, manufacturer claims, California’s ban on high-silica artificial stone, and alternatives for consumers

NOVATO, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, and countertop fabricator Jeff Rose recently joined James Mastromarino of WBUR’s Here & Now, distributed nationally by National Public Radio (NPR), to discuss the artificial stone silicosis crisis and the dangers facing workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops.

The interview, which aired October 15, focused on Rose’s experience living with artificial stone silicosis, manufacturers’ claims that fabrication methods rather than artificial stone itself are responsible for worker illness, and Nevin’s statement clarifying that the product is uniquely toxic.

“Everything changed when artificial stone came along and that’s because it’s uniquely toxic,” Nevin told Here & Now.

Artificial stone, sometimes called “engineered stone” or “manufactured stone,” is at least 90% respirable crystalline silica. The remaining approximately 10% consists of highly toxic dyes, resins, glues, and heavy metals. When artificial stone is cut, ground, or polished, fabrication creates nano-sized, high-surface-area respirable crystalline silica dust that is inhaled by the workers fabricating the artificial stone slabs. The dyes, resins, glues, and heavy metals also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during fabrication.

Artificial stone silicosis is preventable, progressive, incurable, and fatal.

Jeff Rose Describes Living with Artificial Stone Silicosis

Rose has worked in countertop fabrication for more than 18 years. He told Here & Now that his illness began with a severe cough and significant difficulty breathing. Today, even ordinary physical activity can leave him struggling for breath.

“I can’t really walk up to the top of the stairs and have a conversation with you,” Rose said. “Just that little bit of stress on my lungs, I literally have to take a few minutes to catch my breath.”

Rose also disclosed that his son, who runs the fabrication shop, is sick.

Manufacturers Say the Process Is the Problem

During the interview, Mastromarino noted that artificial stone manufacturers maintain their product is not the problem and instead attribute hazardous exposures to the way artificial stone is fabricated.

Rose, now a part-owner of the shop where he has worked for more than 18 years, said the shop uses completely wet machinery, masks, and other precautions.

Asked whether artificial stone could be fabricated safely under those conditions, Rose responded:

“We are doing everything to abide by all of the state regulations, and thus far, the answer is no. Every test is coming back above what it should be.”

Nevin argues that the danger cannot be separated from artificial stone itself.

“Everywhere where artificial stone becomes popular, replaces natural stone, you see a massive epidemic in artificial stone silicosis, which is fatal,” Nevin said.

California Moves Forward with Ban on High-Silica Artificial Stone

The NPR interview comes as California moves forward with its ban on the fabrication and installation of artificial stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica.

Nevin pointed during the interview to the pattern of disease following the increased use of artificial stone and to Australia’s banning the fabrication and sale of artificial stone in response to the artificial stone silicosis crisis.

For Rose, the consequences are already personal. Both he and his son are sick.

Nevin Points Consumers to Recycled-Glass Alternatives

Mastromarino also asked Nevin what consumers should know when selecting countertops. Nevin encouraged consumers to consider recycled glass products instead of artificial stone containing high levels of crystalline silica.

“Make the choice to choose the recycled glass one instead of the crystalline silica one, because one is going to kill the worker and one isn’t.” Nevin said.

Nevin said during the interview that major manufacturers and suppliers, apart from Cambria, already make and sell recycled glass versions, which he described as comparable in appearance and cost.

Rose Warns More Workers Could Become Sick

The interview also addressed legislation in Congress that would shield makers of artificial stone from legal liability. The industry maintains that the problem is the fabrication process rather than its product.

Asked for his reaction, Rose said:

“I feel if any of those people would have worked their life in the industry and gotten sick this way, they would feel quite differently about it.”

He followed with a direct warning:

“It needs to be taken care of immediately, or there’s gonna be a whole lot more people getting sick.”

Listen to the NPR Interview and Read the Transcript

The interview with Jeff Rose and James Nevin aired on WBUR’s Here & Now on October 15, 2026.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

LISTEN TO THE HERE & NOW SEGMENT

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is an accomplished law firm representing individuals and families affected by toxic exposures and occupational diseases, including workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis. The firm represents workers in artificial stone silicosis litigation involving manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis or other silica-related disease after cutting, grinding, polishing, or otherwise fabricating artificial stone countertops, contact Brayton Purcell LLP to discuss your circumstances and potential legal options.

CONTACT BRAYTON PURCELL LLP

Media Contact
Nolan Lowry
Chief Marketing Officer
Brayton Purcell LLP
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
(415) 399-3107
braytonlaw.com

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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP