This Country Bans the Use of Artificial Stone for Kitchen Countertops Due to Health Risks

Doctors have discovered that working with this material can cause serious illnesses. But is it truly dangerous for consumers?

Many kitchen countertops and other panels for kitchens and bathrooms are made from artificial stone, a material composed of quartz dust mixed with pigments and a resin-based binder. While it closely resembles natural stone, it's much more affordable. However, Australia has decided to ban its production and sale.

Health checks conducted in Australia since 2005 reveal that inhaling the dust generated during the processing of artificial stone is almost as hazardous for workers as inhaling asbestos dust. As a result, Australian authorities have banned the use, supply, and production of artificial stone effective July 1, 2024. This ban will apply to countertops, slabs, and panels commonly used in decorating kitchens and bathrooms.

Is quartz stone dangerous for those who have countertops made from this material in their kitchens, and should you be worried? Fortunately, consumers can rest assured that they can continue using them without any health risks. The only danger lies in the dust from this stone, which appears during its processing.

Quartz stone is primarily composed of crystalline silica. When factory workers or kitchen installers work with artificial stone, a very fine dust, rich in silica, is released into the air. This dust, known as respirable crystalline silica, is harmful to human lungs and can lead to various diseases over time.

Furthermore, the resins, metals, and pigments used in the composition of quartz artificial stone make this dust even more toxic and harmful. After years of observation and research, Australian doctors have found that prolonged work with quartz stone leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other illnesses.

People suffering from COPD have difficulty breathing, cough constantly, and tire quickly. Another potential consequence is silicosis, where lung tissue gradually hardens and scars due to silica dust exposure. People with silicosis are at higher risk for developing tuberculosis, kidney failure, arthritis, and lung cancer.