Informed, Prepared, and Safe: A Timeline of CaraGreen’s Ongoing Conversation on Crystalline Silica

The surfacing industry is undergoing a monumental shift. Between Australia’s nationwide ban on engineered stone taking effect on July 1, 2024, California’s STOP Act (SB-20) taking effect in January 2026, and Cal/OSHA’s May 21, 2026 emergency ban capping crystalline silica content in artificial stone at under 1.0%, the move toward non-toxic, low-silica materials has rapidly accelerated.

For many specifiers, fabricators, and interior designers, navigating these sweeping regulatory changes feels sudden. At CaraGreen, evaluating material health and worker safety has always been our core compass. Traditional engineered stone (commonly called "quartz") consists of 85% to 95% crystalline silica (SiO2). When dry-cut or polished it releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles smaller than 10 microns - roughly 100 times smaller than a grain of sand - which penetrate deep into lung tissue, causing irreversible silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

We didn't start talking about RCS when regulations forced the industry's hand. We’ve been raising awareness, offering accredited AIA/IDCEC continuing education courses, and curating non-toxic surface portfolios for nearly a decade.

Timeline of CaraGreen’s Industry Guidance

Specifying Compliant Alternatives

Understanding the history of crystalline silica isn't about looking back; it's about specifying smarter for the future. When choosing surfacing materials today, you are making a critical regulatory choice that impacts worker safety, supply chain stability, and project liability.

Because we’ve spent years vetting materials based on material health, our portfolio is naturally built for compliance with today’s strict safety standards:

• Durat Solid Surface (0% Crystalline Silica): Made with up to 28% post-industrial recycled hard plastics, carrying a Declare Red List Free certification.

• PaperStone (0% Crystalline Silica): Post-consumer recycled paper composites bound with petroleum-free phenolic resins.

• GEOS & Gilasi Recycled Glass (<1% Crystalline Silica): Engineered with amorphous glass aggregates and resin binders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crystalline Silica & Surfacing

Q: Does installed quartz in my home pose a health risk?

A: No. Crystalline silica is bound within the finished slab's polymer resin matrix and poses no health hazard during everyday residential use. Exposure hazards occur exclusively during fabrication (cutting, grinding, edge-polishing, and routing) when airborne respirable dust is generated.

Q: What is the difference between crystalline and amorphous silica?

A: Crystalline silica (SiO2), found in mined quartz and granite, has a rigid, sharp lattice structure that slices and permanently scars lung tissue when inhaled. Amorphous silica, found in recycled glass countertops like GEOS and Gilasi, lacks a crystalline structure and does not cause silicosis.

Q: What is the maximum legal crystalline silica limit in California?

A: Under the Cal/OSHA emergency regulation passed in May 2026, artificial and engineered stone products containing more than 1.0% crystalline silica are subject to strict bans on fabrication and installation, aligning California regulations with Australia's federal standards.

Navigating the Future Together

Whether you need help specifying a silica-free commercial interior, scheduling an accredited AIA/IDCEC CEU presentation for your design firm, or finding compliant surfacing materials, our team is here to help you navigate the changing landscape with confidence.