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.
Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials having no known adverse health effects from ingestion.
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.
One made with resin is very similar to quartz, and is also considered just as safe.
Topping the list for healthier countertop materials is lead-free (US-made) ceramic tile, followed by solid surface products such as Corian, then engineered quartz and cultured marble.
Both naturally occurring and artificial quartz crystal contain at least ninety-nine percent silicone dioxide, while cut glass crystal only consists of up to eighty percent silicone dioxide. Furthermore, glass products usually contain thirty-two percent lead, used to enhance glass quality.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
Don't cut on quartz: Quartz is scratch resistant, one of the toughest countertop materials out there. The natural quartz stone in it is fortified with man-made polymers, making a tough material even tougher. That said, do not use your quartz as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface.
“[i]t is extremely unlikely that radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels.” If you are concerned about these small doses, especially if your home's foundation has cracks, quartz countertops emit less radon.
Q Quartz, such as Fossil Gray Quartz shown here, is Greenguard, LEED, and NSF certified. That means it's non-toxic and does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since it's easy-care, you don't need harsh chemicals to maintain it. It's recyclable, and made from quartz, which is an abundant natural resource.
A study published in the Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry in 2006 found that the radium content of red and pink granites is about three-and-a-half times higher than that of black and gray granites.
When quartz is quarried, cut, or polished for countertops, the crystalline silica creates airborne dust which becomes respirable, hence, respirable silica. Those tiny airborne particles can enter your lungs, creating scar tissue and can cause a number of diseases, including COPD, silicosis and lung cancer.
Workers in the rhinestone manufacturing industry are exposed to crystalline silica dust when cutting, grinding, polishing and buffing the artificial crystals. Inhaling crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis. Silicosis is a progressive lung disease, symptoms include shortness of breath, cough and fever.
Thanks to its non-porous nature, quartz is mold-, stain-, and mildew-resistant, making it a breeze to keep not merely clean but also germ- and bacteria-free. Quartz also resists heat damage—up to a point.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
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.
No, it is not recommended that you place appliances like a toaster oven on your quartz countertop. The dramatic fluctuations in heat could cause your countertop to crack. Put a trivet or cutting board under your toaster oven while in use to prevent any damage to your beautiful counters.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser to clean quartz. They won't scratch the surface and can even remove some imperfections you thought you had to live with. Scotch-Brite also makes some non-scratch scouring pads that work well on engineered stone.
Create a simple disinfectant using 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and two cups water in a spray bottle. You may wish to add 1-2 drops of essential oils to add a nice smell to the mixture. Spray the countertops down, making sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 2-3 minutes.
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.
Know the facts. Building materials, such as brick, marble and granite, contain very low-levels of naturally-occurring radioactivity. However, these materials can emit radon as the materials decay, which can elevate the indoor radon levels in your home.
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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.