Countertops – Stone

Updated: April 25, 2021
Specs
countertops, quartz, solidsurface

DID YOU KNOW:

Countertop selection has health impacts beyond the finished surface.

Natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble, are porous and often require penetrating sealers before first use and at regular intervals. Many stain- and water-resistant sealers rely on fluorinated chemistry, including fluoropolymers, which are part of the broader PFAS “forever chemicals” concern.¹

Engineered quartz countertops raise a different health concern: worker exposure during fabrication. Quartz, engineered stone, artificial stone, and some composite slabs can contain very high levels of crystalline silica. When these materials are cut, ground, drilled, or polished, they can release respirable crystalline silica dust, which is linked to silicosis, lung cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, and other serious health impacts.⁴

Recent public health research has identified a resurgence of severe and sometimes fatal silicosis among young engineered stone countertop fabrication workers. Australia banned engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs beginning July 1, 2024, and California is moving toward restrictions on artificial stone with more than 1% crystalline silica due to hundreds of reported silicosis cases.⁵

SPECIFICATION SUGGESTIONS:

Avoid countertops that require routine post-installation sealing where possible.
Avoid high-silica engineered quartz and artificial stone, especially where fabrication practices cannot be verified.
Prefer low-silica, zero-silica, or non-silica alternatives, including sintered stone, stainless steel, recycled glass/cement composites, paper composite, or other fully disclosed surfaces.
Avoid products marketed as “antimicrobial” or implying a health benefit unless the active ingredients, health claims, and regulatory status are clearly understood.
Prefer products with full material disclosure, such as Health Product Declarations (HPDs), Declare labels, or listings in the mindful MATERIALS Library.
Require wet cutting, dust suppression, local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protection, and verified OSHA silica compliance for any stone or silica-containing material that must be field cut or fabricated.

Consider the following products:

Zero Stone by Aurea Stone

Silestone
IceStone Countertops
Richlite Countertops