Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, some homeowners have concerns about potential health risks from silica dust exposure during manufacturing and installation. Here is a detailed look at whether quartz countertops contain silica dust and steps to minimize exposure.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. Quartz crystals are one of the hardest minerals found in nature, making the countertops extremely durable and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains.
The resins bind the quartz crystals together into a slab, while pigments add color and design. Popular brand names for quartz countertops include Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, and DuPont Zodiaq.
Does Quartz Contain Silica?
Yes, quartz countertops contain silica since natural quartz crystals are primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica. Silica is an abundant mineral in the earth’s crust and a major component of sand, granite, and many other rocks and minerals.
During manufacturing, the quartz crystals are ground down into a fine powder containing respirable silica dust particles. Exposure to these tiny particulate at high levels over time can lead to lung conditions like silicosis and lung cancer.
What is Respirable Silica Dust?
Respirable crystalline silica are very small particles typically less than 10 micrometers in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Chronic silicosis develops after 15-20 years of moderate to low exposures to respirable silica. Accelerated silicosis can occur after 5-10 years of very high exposure levels.
In addition to silicosis, studies have linked high silica exposure to increased risks of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, tuberculosis, and other conditions. That’s why controlling silica dust during manufacturing and installation is critical.
Quartz Countertop Manufacturing and Silica
The potential for silica exposure is highest at the manufacturing facilities where quartz slabs are fabricated. Cutting, grinding, polishing, and other processes on quartz materials can release large amounts of fine silica dust into the air if proper dust collection systems are not used.
Thankfully, most modern quartz fabrication plants in the United States utilize a range of engineering controls, ventilation systems, and personal protective equipment to protect workers. Methods include:
- Wet cutting quartz to suppress dust.
- Local exhaust ventilation to capture dust near the source.
- Enclosures to isolate dusty operations.
- HEPA filtered vacuums to collect residual dust.
- Respirators approved for crystalline silica.
- Regular air monitoring.
Reputable quartz manufacturers also monitor worker exposure levels and provide health screening and surveillance to minimize silicosis risks.
Silica Exposure During Countertop Installation
The pre-fabricated quartz slabs emit little silica when installing kitchen countertops in homes. However, some limited cutting and grinding may be required that can release silica dust. Installers should use wet methods or HEPA vacuums to control dust. Work areas should be well-ventilated and sealed off from the rest of the home.
Overall, installers are at lower risk than manufacturing workers since installation involves much lower dust levels. But respiratory protection is still recommended when cutting quartz materials.
Tips to Limit Silica Exposure in Homes
For homeowners, quartz countertops generally do not pose a meaningful silica hazard during normal use. But you can further reduce risks by:
- Asking installers to use dust controls and isolate work areas.
- Ventilating areas well after installation for a day or two.
- Cleaning up any visible dust carefully with wet wiping or vacuuming.
- Using HEPA vacuum filters capable of trapping very fine particles.
- Avoiding abrasive scouring powders which may release quartz dust.
- Considering alternative countertop materials like solid surface or laminate options that do not contain silica.
The Bottom Line
Quartz countertops do inherently contain respirable crystalline silica dust due to their composition. But with proper engineering controls at manufacturing plants and dust minimization during installation, exposure of workers and homeowners can be kept well within safe levels. Selecting vendors who demonstrate a commitment to worker health and safety is advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all quartz countertop brands contain silica?
A: Yes, all major brands of quartz countertops contain silica since they are made from natural quartz crystals that are comprised of silicon dioxide. However, reputable brands monitor manufacturing conditions to control silica dust exposures.
Q: Is quartz more dangerous than natural stone?
A: Not necessarily. Natural stone like granite can also release silica dust when cut. But quartz does have higher quartz/silica content than granite so dust exposures may be higher. Proper precautions are important when working with any natural stone product.
Q: Should I seal my quartz countertops?
A: Sealing is generally not needed for quartz since resins make the material non-porous. Sealing won’t significantly reduce silica exposures from use. Focus instead on cleaning methods and removing dust after installation.
Q: Are there non-silica countertop alternatives?
A: Solid surface (Corian), laminate, wood, stainless steel, and tile countertops do not contain silica dust. But these alternatives lack some of the advantages of quartz like heat/scratch resistance.
Q: Do quartz emit radon or other hazards?
A: Quartz is not known to produce any hazardous emissions and does not cause radon gas exposure. Silica dust during fabrication is the main health concern. Installed quartz countertops are very stable and inert.
Conclusion
Quartz engineered stone does contain silica, but modern manufacturing methods and installation precautions can minimize exposure risks for workers and homeowners. Taking steps to limit dust creation and spread after installing quartz counters is advised. Overall, the small risks are outweighed by the advantages of durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance with quartz countertops.