QUARTZ SAFETY
Essential safety information about respirable crystalline silica and proper handling of quartz surfaces
Important Safety Notice
Once installed, EuroStone quartz surfaces are safe for everyday use. No special precautions are needed for food preparation or general household activities.
Safety concerns apply only during fabrication processes (cutting, grinding, drilling) when airborne dust particles may be generated. Professional fabricators must follow OSHA guidelines and use proper safety equipment.
To address the safety of the trade handling our products, we have switched all our productions to zero or very low quartz which is mostly composed of crystalline silica.
UNDERSTANDING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
What is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)?
Respirable crystalline silica refers to microscopic particles of crystalline silica that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These particles are generated during cutting, grinding, or drilling of materials containing crystalline silica, including quartz countertops, granite, concrete, and many natural stones.
Health Concerns
Prolonged exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica without proper protection can lead to serious health conditions:
- Silicosis: A lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, resulting in inflammation and scarring
- Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure increases cancer risk
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Progressive lung disease affecting breathing
- Kidney Disease: Potential link to chronic kidney disease
Who is at Risk?
Fabricators, installers, and workers who cut, grind, or polish stone surfaces are at risk when proper safety measures are not followed. End users and homeowners with installed countertops face no risk from normal use.
OSHA REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
OSHA has established a PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Employers must ensure worker exposure does not exceed this limit.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1153 (Respirable Crystalline Silica)
Required Engineering Controls
- •Water delivery systems for wet cutting and grinding
- •HEPA-filtered vacuum dust collection systems
- •Proper ventilation in fabrication facilities
- •Enclosed cutting areas when possible
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- •NIOSH-approved respirators rated N95 or higher (when engineering controls alone are insufficient)
- •Safety glasses or goggles with side shields
- •Protective clothing and gloves
- •Hearing protection when using power tools
Medical Surveillance & Training
OSHA requires employers to provide medical examinations for workers exposed at or above the action level (25 μg/m³) for 30 or more days per year. Comprehensive training on silica hazards and safe work practices is mandatory for all exposed workers.
EUROSTONE'S LOW-QUARTZ SOLUTIONS
Cosmolite® Collection
Our innovative Cosmolite® collection features ultra-low quartz content formulations, significantly reducing crystalline silica content while maintaining the premium aesthetics and performance EuroStone is known for. This revolutionary technology provides fabricators with a safer alternative without compromising on quality.
Eco-Stone Series
Our Eco-Stone collection uses lower quartz content compared to traditional quartz surfaces, offering another option for projects seeking reduced crystalline silica content. These surfaces maintain exceptional durability and require the same professional handling procedures.
Industry Leadership
EuroStone is committed to advancing safety in the stone fabrication industry. We actively support research into safer materials and promote best practices for protecting workers throughout the supply chain.
SAFE FABRICATION PRACTICES
✓ DO THESE
- • Always use wet cutting methods with continuous water flow
- • Employ HEPA-filtered vacuums during all dry processes
- • Wear properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirators
- • Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas
- • Clean work areas with wet methods or HEPA vacuums
- • Attend regular safety training sessions
- • Participate in medical surveillance programs
- • Keep work clothes separate from personal clothing
✗ DON'T DO THESE
- • Never dry cut or grind without dust control
- • Don't use compressed air to clean surfaces or clothing
- • Never work without appropriate respiratory protection
- • Don't eat, drink, or smoke in fabrication areas
- • Never sweep dry dust or debris
- • Don't reuse disposable respirator filters beyond their lifespan
- • Never ignore equipment maintenance schedules
- • Don't skip required training or medical exams
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Explore our low-quartz options and comprehensive safety documentation
For detailed OSHA guidelines, visit OSHA.gov/silica-crystalline