Although quartz countertops will have less to zero radon, it does not preclude granite as a “less safe” choice in kitchen countertops. Given the radiation naturally encountered through flying, walking around a city, and living your everyday life, it is not significant enough to discourage granite in the household.
They have concluded that quartz countertops present little to no risk to homes or other environments that contain them.
Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels. Some types of granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Quartz and granite contain varying amounts of uranium, thorium, and potassium, which are naturally radioactive. Uranium and thorium decay to a radioactive gas, radon, which in turn decays to other radionuclides.
Quartz countertops are more versatile and durable than quartzite. While quartzite countertops are produced using natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone.
You can feel confident with quartz because it doesn't have any foreign substances that might be hurtful to your health or the environment. The non-porous surface also reduces contaminants like mold spores, pesticides, and other chemicals. Check for third-party certifications to ensure the safety of your surface.
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.
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.
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.
Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.
The main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings. Rock and soil produce radon gas. Building materials, the water supply, and natural gas can all be sources of radon in the home. Basements allow more opportunity for soil gas entry than slab-on-grade foundations.
Quartz is tough, but it doesn't like to be sorely tested. Wipe spills with a wet dishcloth as soon as you spot them. Don't cut on quartz: Quartz is scratch resistant, one of the toughest countertop materials out there.
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.
You must not expose quartz countertops to harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Avoid using bleach, oven cleaners, or any other cleaning products containing pumice. Also, you should not use furniture polish, paint removers, silver cleaners, or oil soaps to clean the surface.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
If you were to put a hot pan or pot on a quartz countertop, the countertop could become very damaged. Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged.
Ingestion: Not harmful. Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: VERY TOXIC. Can cause lung damage if the dust is breathed in. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chronic cough and weight loss.
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.
Inhalation over long periods will cause silicosis where fibrosis of the lungs causes shortness of breath and can lead to death in severe cases. Over exposure to silica weakens the body's defense mechanisms. Because of the abundance of silica, potential hazards are widespread.
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.
Lifespan. Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don't break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible.
Can I use baking soda on quartz countertops? Yes, baking soda is a great product for cleaning quartz countertops, as it's less abrasive than most other options.