Deadly Artificial Stone Silicosis Crisis Takes Center Stage in New TRIAL Magazine Article by Brayton Purcell Partner James P. Nevin

"Artificial Stone, Real Danger" examines the fatal lung disease affecting countertop fabrication workers, the growing wave of product liability litigation, and efforts to hold artificial stone manufacturers accountable.

NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brayton Purcell LLP partner and trial attorney James P. Nevin has authored a new article, "Artificial Stone, Real Danger", published in the November 2026 issue of TRIAL®, the magazine of the American Association for Justice. The article examines artificial stone silicosis, the litigation arising from the disease, and legal and legislative developments affecting fabrication workers and their families.

As Nevin describes the material, "Artificial stone, also known as engineered or manufactured stone, is widely used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Artificial stone consists of at least 90% respirable crystalline silica, with the remaining approximately 10% consisting of highly toxic dyes, resins, and heavy metals. When artificial stone is cut, ground, or polished, fabrication creates nano-sized, high-surface-area respirable crystalline silica dust, and the other components release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)." Nevin's article examines the consequences of these exposures for countertop fabrication workers.

A Disease with No Cure

"Artificial Stone, Real Danger" explains chronic, accelerated, and acute silicosis and describes the diagnostic challenges associated with the disease. Artificial stone silicosis is preventable, progressive, incurable, and fatal.

As Nevin writes plainly in the article:

"Silicosis has no cure."

The article also explains that accelerated silicosis can develop after several months to a few years of exposure and that, by the time of diagnosis, the disease may already have advanced to progressive massive fibrosis. Patients with accelerated or acute silicosis often require supplemental oxygen or a lung transplant.

Nevin also describes the hazardous dust generated during artificial stone fabrication:

"Cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing artificial stone slabs containing crystalline silica release nanosized crystalline silica and other toxic dust into the air."

From Medical Crisis to Product Liability Litigation

The article traces the history of artificial stone silicosis and the evolution of litigation in the United States. Nevin discusses the first reported U.S. diagnosis of silicosis linked to artificial stone in Texas in 2014 and California's emergence as an epicenter of the disease.

The article also examines significant artificial stone silicosis trials, including plaintiff verdicts involving fabrication workers and their families, as well as the practical challenges presented by cases that may involve numerous manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, designers, and contractors.

According to the article, plaintiffs in several cases challenged manufacturers' marketing of artificial stone as "pure" and "natural," inadequate warnings, and contended that the products were defectively designed.

Nevin summarizes one of the plaintiffs' central arguments:

"The plaintiffs argued that the slabs were defectively designed because they could not be fabricated safely."

A Developing National Legal Debate

"Artificial Stone, Real Danger" also addresses efforts to provide artificial stone manufacturers and distributors with immunity from certain civil lawsuits.

The article discusses arguments surrounding the toxicity of artificial stone and concerns that legal immunity could prevent workers who allege artificial stone caused their silicosis from pursuing manufacturers through the civil justice system.

In concluding the article, Nevin warns about the continuing human and legal consequences associated with crystalline silica artificial stone:

"As the number of workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis increases, so will the number of civil lawsuits filed across the country."

To read the full article, click here.

About James P. Nevin

James P. Nevin is a partner and trial attorney with Brayton Purcell LLP in Novato, California. His article, "Artificial Stone, Real Danger," appears in the November 2026 edition of TRIAL®.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP represents individuals and families in complex litigation, including cases involving toxic exposures and artificial stone silicosis.

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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP