Silicosis Disease: Silica dust exposure harming quartz workers around the world

Just this past December, Australia became the first country to announce a ban on engineered stone in response to a rise in silicosis diagnoses in stone workers. In short, when workers are cutting, grinding or drilling into engineered stone, the dust created, containing up to 95 per cent crystalline silica dust, may be breathed in resulting in major health risks, including lung cancer and lung scarring.

Now, these risks are severely reduced when safety measures are taken when proper respiratory protections are worn, but often times in smaller operations, these steps are not taken, which has led to significant spike in reported silicosis cases.

What is engineered stone?

Often times referred to as “quartz”, engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive to create a solid surface. This has been a go-to option because of the variety of colours, patterns, but ultimately because it is such a hardy material requiring almost no maintenance.

I asked Cosentino, one of the largest global stone manufacturers and suppliers their thoughts on the ban since they created Silestone, an engineered stone that I have personally used many times before. “The ban in Australia is unique in the world. Some countries have taken a different approach by advocating better workplace safety and health regulations, which is more efficient than the banning of one type of product. We believe that different markets would adopt guidelines that suit their respective environment, and it would only get better.” explains Patricia Lyon, Marketing Director of SE Asia.

I have engineered stone at home. Should I be concerned?

In short, no. If you have any existing engineered stone pieces, they are absolutely safe and wonderful materials... But, if you are planning a renovation, where existing engineered stone needs to be disassembled and destroyed, precautions should be taken when the demolition is being done. This would seem like a given, but as we know, safety shortcuts are sometimes taken. Please have yourself and your family stay out of the jobsite during this time, but also insist the demolition team protects their eyes and lungs with the proper PPE.

How will this affect my next renovation?

Well, it might not affect anything. This ban has not been whispered of happening in this region, so if you are loving a particular engineered stone for your space, go for it! But, if this discussion gives you pause and you’d like to explore what else is out there, it’s good to know your options.

There are many great solutions, but here are 3 beautiful surfaces I think you should be pin at the top of your inspiration boards:

Dekton is an ultracompact surface developed exclusively by Cosentino. This material is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion; it has very low porosity and therefore almost non-existent water absorption and maximum resistance to stains. It has excellent colour stability due to its resistance against UV rays, and it can be used in any climate as it resists heat and thermal shock, even that caused by freezing and thawing. (Not that I see freezing and thawing being an issue so close to the equator, but good to know.) Dekton brand offers a 25-year warranty.

KompacPanels are a very interesting alternative produced by KompacPlus, where Jansene Alegre, the General Manager tells us, “As a service provider, KompacPlus has come a long way as the primary supplier of KompacPanels that also specialise in innovative surfacing solutions featuring a solid and non-porous structure that is fundamentally made of kraft paper soaked in resin. Compressed under high heat and pressure, each panel is tested and proven to be non-toxic, anti-microbial and food-safe, allowing it to be highly suitable for everyday use as kitchen countertops, dining tabletops, work desks and more.”

Natural Stone is the tried-and-true option, and by default where I naturally gravitate as there is nothing as beautiful as the design work Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. Now I understand many, especially in Singapore are so hesitant thinking the cost and maintenance are just too much to accept, it’s honestly not though. You are essentially paying for a one-of-a-kind piece of art, that could start as low as $14/sq ft.

With regards to maintaining, general spills should be wiped as quickly as you can, which I would say most people would do regardless of the material, and about once a year I would recommend getting the surface re-sealed. Easy-peasy.

Silica Dust Safety Standards

The purpose of bringing up Silica Dust is not to show engineered stone in a bad light, as I think it has a place in architecture and design and I love using it in the proper design context, but where I think Australia got it wrong is that the focus was on the product itself, and not the handling of it.

I would hope that this region sees a need for more safety standards to be put in place and not penalising the manufacturers that have spent tens of millions of dollars to develop what are essentially phenomenal products and materials.