They have concluded that quartz countertops present little to no risk to homes or other environments that contain them.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz kitchen countertops are heat resistant and can protect against the spread of fire. However, extra caution should be taken as the countertops can get damaged from exposure to excess heat. Ensure you use heat protectors such as coasters, hot pads and trivets to protect the countertops from heat damage.
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 is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
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.
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.
Radon released from granite building materials can be released over the lifetime of use but typically will be diluted by ventilation. In addition to radon, naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can emit small amounts of beta and gamma radiation.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
As a non-porous stone, it is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and bacteria-free. This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
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.
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.
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces. It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter.
The VOC risk within quartz comes from the 'resin' element, the composition of which is often unknown, and it can vary hugely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Typically, the resin content when measured by weight, represents between 7% – 15% of the material. By volume, the resin proportion is much higher.