Choosing Your Countertop

We recently had a few clients ask us about Silicosis as a hazard with Quartz countertops, as articles are making the rounds lately, but they are not telling a complete story. Since our sister company, Apex Marble, sells various countertop materials, we thought we should address these growing concerns. Stone countertops are the crown jewels of modern kitchens—durable, beautiful, and timeless. But behind their polished surfaces lies an invisible risk, one that primarily affects those who cut, shape, and install them: silica dust exposure, the leading cause of silicosis.

Let’s take a closer look at the materials themselves before exploring how silica becomes a serious occupational hazard.

Types of Stone Countertops and Their Composition

Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz crystals bound with resin—usually about 90–95% crystalline silica. Their strength, consistency, and color variety make them popular, but they also make them the most hazardous to fabricate. Cutting, grinding, or polishing quartz releases fine silica dust that can penetrate deep into the lungs.

Quartz Pre-Fab: Margarita, picture courtesy of Apex Marble

Quartzite (Natural Stone)

Often mistaken for quartz, quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure. Its silica content typically ranges from 80–95%, slightly less than engineered quartz. While safer than manmade quartz surfaces, it still presents a significant inhalation risk during fabrication.

Quartzite: Cristallo Imperliale, photo courtesy of Apex Marble

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, with an average silica content of 40–60%. The stone’s crystalline structure means less free silica is released during cutting compared to engineered quartz—but prolonged exposure can still lead to silicosis without proper dust control.

Granite: Patagonia, picture courtesy of Apex Marble

Marble

Made primarily of calcite (calcium carbonate), marble contains little to no silica, making it a much lower risk material in terms of silicosis. However, fabrication still generates fine dust that can irritate the lungs and eyes, so respirators and ventilation remain essential.

Marble: Super White, photo courtesy of Apex Marble

Soapstone

Composed mainly of talc and chlorite, soapstone is nearly silica-free and considered one of the safest stones to work with. Its smooth texture and matte finish require minimal polishing, further reducing airborne dust.

Soapstone example, photo courtesy of Toulmin Cabinetry

Solid Surface and Porcelain Countertops

Engineered solid surface materials (like Corian) are acrylic-based and contain minimal silica. Porcelain, on the other hand, can contain 15–45% silica, depending on formulation. Cutting porcelain slabs dry can still produce harmful dust if not controlled.

Porcelain: Mediterraneo Diamond Black, photo courtesy of Apex Marble

Silica Beyond Stone

Crystalline silica isn’t unique to countertops—it’s also found in concrete, cement, mortar, brick, tile, grout, and even drywall compound. Construction workers, masons, and demolition crews all face potential exposure if dust control measures aren’t in place. The danger isn’t just the dust you see—it’s the microscopic particles that remain airborne for hours and travel deep into the lungs.

Who’s at Risk?

Fabricators, installers, and demolition workers face the highest risks. Chronic exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. The danger intensifies with dry cutting or poor ventilation, which allows dust to accumulate.

Homeowners, however, face very low risk. Once the countertop is fully fabricated, sealed, and installed, it doesn’t emit dust or silica. Even during routine use, cleaning, or minor repair, the risk is virtually negligible. The only potential exposure occurs if the countertop is cut, sanded, or demolished inside the home without proper dust controls.

Protecting Workers—and Everyone Else

Workshops and job sites should use wet cutting systems, local exhaust ventilation, HEPA vacuums, and respiratory protection to keep silica exposure below OSHA’s permissible limits. Employers must also provide training and medical monitoring for employees at risk.

For homeowners, awareness is key: choose reputable fabricators who follow safety standards, and never attempt to alter or cut stone countertops yourself.

The Bottom Line

Silicosis is entirely preventable. By understanding how silica content varies among materials and ensuring proper dust control, we can protect the people who bring these beautiful surfaces to life—without sacrificing design or durability.