10/07/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR CALIFORNIA GCs AND COMMERCIAL DESIGNERS 🚨
Cal/OSHA just released a draft rule (Sept 2026) that would effectively BAN quartz countertop fabrication in California. Why? Engineered quartz is 90–95% crystalline silica, and cutting it creates silica dust that causes silicosis, a fatal, irreversible lung disease. Since 2019: 592 diagnosed cases, 31 deaths, 65 lung transplants in California alone.
Here's what GCs need to know: under OSHA's multi-employer rule, if a sub cuts quartz on YOUR jobsite without full compliance (wet saw, HEPA vacuum, P100 respirator, worker monitoring), YOU can be cited too.
Read the full blog here: https://www.californiawoodworking.com/blog/acrylic-solid-surface-vs-quartz-california-silica-ban
The smarter spec? Acrylic solid surface — Corian, Durasein, and similar products:
🔹 ZERO crystalline silica — no health or liability exposure
🔹 Cuts with standard woodworking tools, no wet cutting required
🔹 Seamless joints, fully repairable, non-porous surface
🔹 Thermoformable for curves and custom shapes
🔹 Hundreds of colors — perfect for healthcare, food service, and offices
California Woodworking has fabricated and installed acrylic solid surface for commercial projects across Southern California since 1989. Ready to make the switch? Give us a call!
📞 (805) 982-9090
🌐 calwoodinc.com
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