Growing awareness of silicosis, an irreversible lung disease linked to inhaling crystalline silica dust, has left many homeowners asking an alarming question:
“Could the quartz worktop in my kitchen be dangerous?”
With the condition being dubbed the “next asbestos”, concerns over workers manufacturing and cutting engineered stone products have also sparked fears about whether quartz surfaces pose any risk at home.
According to kitchen expert Olivia Disley from Prestige, homeowners are safe.
“Nobody wants to hear that something sitting in the heart of their home is being linked to a serious illness,” Olivia said.
“When people hear quartz and lung disease mentioned together, it’s natural for alarm bells to start ringing.
“But the risks being discussed aren’t coming from the worktop in your kitchen.”
Instead, she explained, silicosis is linked to repeated exposure to fine silica dust generated during cutting and fabrication.
“A professionally manufactured and installed quartz worktop isn’t releasing dangerous dust into your home every time you make a cup of tea, prepare dinner or sit down with the family.
“The people most at risk are those exposed to silica dust during fabrication if the proper safety controls aren’t in place.
“For homeowners, the reality is much simpler. You can continue using your worktop exactly as you always have.”
What if my worktop is chipped or cracked?
It’s one of the most common concerns being raised by homeowners, but a damaged worktop isn’t suddenly turning your kitchen into a danger zone.
“We’ve had people asking whether a chipped corner means harmful dust is now spreading around their home,” Olivia said.
“The reality is that a small chip or crack isn’t creating the kind of airborne silica exposure associated with silicosis.
“Of course, damage should be repaired where necessary, but discovering a chip isn’t a reason to panic.
“It’s usually far more of an appearance issue than a health issue.”
Is it still safe to prepare food on quartz?
Quartz remains one of Britain’s most popular worktop materials, found in millions of homes across the country thanks to its durability and low-maintenance surface.
“One of the questions we’re hearing most often is whether quartz is still safe to prepare food on,” Olivia said.
“The answer is yes. The concerns around silicosis relate to exposure to airborne silica dust during cutting and fabrication, not everyday use of a finished worktop.
“Homeowners can continue preparing meals, cleaning their surfaces and using their kitchens as normal.”
Should I be worried about my children?
For many parents, stories about lung disease immediately raise concerns about their family’s safety.
“When parents hear stories like these, their first thought is naturally about protecting their children,” Olivia said.
“But children eating breakfast at the kitchen table, helping with baking or doing homework on a quartz breakfast bar aren’t being exposed to the conditions linked to silicosis.
“The concern is about workplace exposure to silica dust, not family life at home.”
Can I cut or drill into quartz myself?
This is one area where experts advise caution.
While homeowners don’t need to worry about using their worktops, creating dust through DIY cutting or drilling should be avoided.
“If you’re planning to cut, grind or significantly modify a quartz worktop, we’d always recommend bringing in professionals,” Olivia said.
“Professional fabricators use specialist extraction systems, water suppression techniques and protective equipment designed to control dust.
“It’s simply not a DIY job.”
Should I rip out my quartz worktop?
Experts say there is no reason for homeowners to start replacing perfectly good worktops.
“We’ve seen people asking whether they should remove their quartz worktops altogether,” Olivia said.
“For the overwhelming majority of homeowners, the answer is no.
“The conversation around silicosis should be about protecting workers during fabrication, not people worrying every time they walk into their kitchen.”
Photo by Lisa Anna: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-closets-in-kitchen-19836846/
