Countertop Fabrication Operations in California identified by CDPH
The two boxes on the left and map in the dashboard represent all operations identified in California thus far by CDPH using multiple data sources. Using a subscription database (Reference Solutions from Data Axle), CDPH generated a list of likely countertop fabricators by searching with a set of 8-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and 6-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. For fabricators included in this database, the number of employees per operation was available. To try to determine whether each business was a fabricator of engineered stone (commonly called “quartz”) countertops and whether it was likely still in operation, a team of researchers at CDPH searched for each one on the internet. Businesses that appeared to be showrooms but that also offered fabrication of stone countertops were included as fabricators. If the business had no website or if the information on their website was not adequate to determine whether they fabricated stone countertops, CDPH relied on other sources, such as search engines, review websites, building trade sites, mapping street views, Yellow Pages, Chambers of Commerce sites, etc. to help determine business type and status (for example, changed addresses or closures). Use of these other internet sites also led to the identification of additional fabrication operations. Efforts are ongoing to update the information and to add additional operations as they are found. The list used to populate this database is a best-effort attempt to locate fabrication operations and may be subject to change as businesses relocate, cease operations, or change ownership or as more information becomes available.
Self-reported work history of confirmed engineered stone (ES) silicosis cases
The four boxes on the right in the dashboard represent information reported by confirmed ES silicosis cases about their work history. All operations are included, without confirmation that operations are still in business. Some operations that have closed or that are missing some information may be included in the data for the four boxes on the right, but not in the data for the two boxes on the left. Silicosis is a reportable disease in California. Once a case is reported, public health follow-up is conducted to confirm that the case meets the NIOSH case definition for silicosis: History of occupational exposure to airborne silica dust and EITHER or BOTH of a chest radiograph or other imaging technique interpreted as consistent with silicosis or pathologic findings characteristic of silicosis. In addition to confirmation, follow-up also determines source of exposure. If the silica exposure is associated with countertop fabrication, information about work history and employment is also collected, where possible.
Definition of Terms
Fabrication operation means a person, entity, business or location undertaking countertop fabrication activities.