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LOS ANGELES – Quartz surfaces could be outlawed for future use here later this year due to silicosis concerns. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted June 6 to begin consideration of banning what it calls “silica-fabricated stone” within its borders. The action directed various county officials to report back in 90 days on the options to ban the sale, fabrication, and installation of quartz surfaces. The state’s main workplace-health agency – Cal/OSHA – also plans increased enforcement to reduce crystalline-silica exposure.
XIAMEN, China – The China Xiamen International Stone Fair made a strong showing in early June, as foreign visitors returned in force after a four-year absence. The 23rd edition of the event didn’t set any records, but a total of 139,041 visitors supported the show. Foreign attendance was only about half of the 2019 level of 29,446, while the 174 non-China exhibitors showed a more than 70% drop from pre-pandemic numbers. However, Chinese buyers increased their attendance by almost 25%.