Quartz Countertops: An Environmentally Responsible Design Choice. Non-toxic living and environmental responsibility continue to increase in priority for many homeowners and design professionals.
Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials having no known adverse health effects from ingestion. However, it does pose considerable hazards with respect to long term inhalation. CAS: 14808-60-7 Silica: ACGIH TLV & OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/cubic meter 8 hr. TWA, Respirable Dust.
When slabs of engineered stone are cut and finished to fit a kitchen or bathroom, large quantities of silica particles are released. If workers inhale them, it can start a process leading to silicosis as well as to lung cancer and kidney disease.
Based on significant research from granite's around the world, it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials. Although quartz countertops will have less to zero radon, it does not preclude granite as a “less safe” choice in kitchen countertops.
Pigments are swirled into the resin when it is wet to simulate the look of natural marble. Polyester resins can contain trace amounts of cobalt, a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant. The chemical reaction of the polyester resin in countertop manufacturing uses styrene, a carcinogen and asthmagen.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.
Choosing quartz for your home is a healthy decision for your family, especially when there are certifications to confirm its safety. The non-porous surface helps contribute to healthy indoor air quality with its natural materials, low VOCs, and non-toxic cleaners.
Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining the surface, while quartz needs virtually no maintenance. So if you love a plethora of choices and a reliable, consistent look to your countertops, or perhaps you're searching for a durable material that won't break the bank, quartz may be just the thing for you.
Crystalline silica (quartz) is not known to be an environmental hazard. Crystalline silica (quartz) is incompatible with hydrofluoric acid, fluorine, chlorine trifluoride or oxygen difluoride. This material is considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
However, other materials make up the rest of the chemical composition of the stone slab. While the numbers vary slightly, the standard ratio is 93% raw quartz and 7% polymer resins. However, quartz countertop compositions vary between 90-95% quartz and 5-10% polymer resins.
Quartz products are composed of Quartz, Polyester Resins and other naturally-occurring minerals and are fabricated into various shapes, sizes. These products do not contain asbestos.
The safest daily cleaner for your quartz is dish soap. But you can use any mild PH-neutral cleaner without issue. To keep your counters in good condition, put potholders down before placing hot pans on the counter, clean the counters daily, and address spills as fast as possible.
It's bacteria-free, non-porous, very resilient, and non-porous. Consequently, it will need less maintenance and upkeep than granite. However, the look of quartz is uniform and although it imitates natural stones, it comes in well-established colors and designs.
Nonporous materials do not have any entrance points for germs, making it nearly impossible for quartz countertops to host bacteria, mold, or mildew. High-quality antimicrobial quartz countertops can give homeowners peace of mind, especially if they spend a lot of their free time in the kitchen.
Q Premium Natural Quartz embodies several environmentally-preferable characteristics that today's eco-conscious consumer values. Here's why you can feel good about choosing Q. GREENGUARD, LEED, NSF, and KOSHER certified. Longer lifespan than any other countertop surface.
They have concluded that quartz countertops present little to no risk to homes or other environments that contain them.
Quartz contains a 10% apoxy/acrylic resin which has high levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds). This is bad for the environment and indoor air quality. Granite comes from the ground and has VOC levels from radon, but the levels have tested MUCH less than the VOC levels in quartz!
Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
Quartz Countertop Cleaners to Avoid
Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops.