The Health Risks of Silica Exposure and Why Gen Stone Says NO to Engineered Stone

The Health Risks of Silica Exposure and Why Gen Stone Says NO to Engineered Stone 

Introduction: A Silent Killer in the Centre of Our Valued Homes 

Loved for their beauty, durability and recognised as a beacon of luxury, stone benchtops have long become a staple in contemporary kitchens. However, behind the smooth facades of engineered stone lurks a threat that has irrevocably transformed the engineered stone industry: crystalline silica. 

In this article, we will explain what crystalline silica is, how it affects the health of those in the stone industry, and why our vision zero silica products are not just about safety, but responsibility as well. That’s why we at Gen Stone have taken a definite and staunch stance - we do not sell, supply or promote engineered stone with unacceptable amounts of silica.  

What Is Crystalline Quartz Silica? 

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in sand, stone and quartz. Though harmless on its own, crystalline silica becomes a hazardous dust when it is cut, drilled or polished. Traditional engineered stone — particularly quartz benchtops — contains up to 90% crystalline silica. When engineered stone is processed via the afore mentioned methods, they frequently liberate very fine airborne particles called respirable crystalline silica (RCS).  

Fabricators, installers and stonemasons are presented with this serious danger to their lungs. These particles are so small that they can sneak past regular lung filtration and penetrate deep into the airways causing long-term damage. 

The Danger of Silica Dust  

Exposure to silica dust, particularly during prolonged exposure or in closed workshops, may result in several severe and incurable health conditions, that include:  

1. Silicosis  
A natural, untreatable lung ailment. It occurs when dust over silica triggers inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Silicosis causes breathing issues and increases the risk of developing other diseases.  

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)  
Long-term exposure to these particles can lead to long-term breathing issues manifesting in the form of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, lowering a person’s quality of life significantly. 

3. Lung Cancer  
Silica dust is classified by health authorities as a Group 1 carcinogen. If exposure to silica dust is not checked, cancer is a prospective outcome. 

4. Autoimmune Diseases  
Researchers have associated exposure to silica with the development of conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, both serious conditions that can have dire consequences.  

While these possibility of developing these diseases is alarming in itself, real-life examples already exist of young and healthy people working in the industry developing advanced forms of these conditions in a relatively short time span. 

The Response of Australia: The Ban on the Engineered Stone 

Safe Work Australia has gathered research and anecdotal evidence on how these hazards have had life-altering effects on stonemasons and their loved ones. In late 2023, thanks to advocation of Safe Work Australia, the government has moved to put in place a countrywide ban on engineered stone over 1 per cent crystalline silica, coming into effect on 1 July 2024. 

Key points of this ban are: 

- Any engineered stone products containing high silica are prohibited to be sold or installed and fabricated. 

- Contracted jobs that already exist will be allowed a grace period (until January 2025). 

- Silica-free and products with ultra-low-silica (less than 1%) are allowed. 

The Reason Why Gen Stone Said NO -Even Before the Ban  

We at Gen Stone didn’t need regulators to show us what the right move was. As soon as research and data out showing the correlation between use of engineered stone and the development of these health conditions, we proactively took steps to de-list all our high-silica products.  

Here’s why:  

1. People First: There is no job worthy of putting a life at risk. Using zero silica products, we are safeguarding the health of the stonemasons, installers, builders and fabricators who complete our projects, as well as their families.  

2. Proactive Action: Our philosophy is that safety should not be an after-thought. We took the necessary actions before it was mandated by the regulators. Our focus on switching to compliant, safe surfaces enabled us to ensure that our customers are not exposed to legal risk, site shutdowns and future project delays.  

3. Standing Behind Our Product: Modern sintered and porcelain stones are not only safer, but they are tougher, more versatile and in many cases more beautiful than engineered quartz. 

What Can Gen Stone Instead Offer? 

Today, Gen Stone is proud to say that we only offer 0 silica and ultra-low silica stone surfaces. 

We carry a select collection of zero silica and ultra-low silica surfaces perfect for Australian residential and commercial environments. These include: 

1. Sintered Stone: Minerals pressed at high-heat creating a marble-like vein pattern possessing outstanding strength and containing no silica. 

2. Porcelain Stone Slabs: This material is lightweight and UV-resistant, ideal for use where indoor to outdoor continuity is needed. 

3. Ceramic Composite Surfaces: Not only is this material minimalistic and stylish, but it is also safe for use in kitchen environments where surfaces come into contact with the food we eat. 

4. Zero Silica Colours: Our collection offers many choices and patterns of zero silica quartz ranging from the most elegant to minimal. We offer colours that will satisfy any job. 

Our slabs are certified to contains less than 1% crystalline silica and are ready to use under Australian laws and regulations. 

Gen Stone offers products that give customers peace of mind knowing that the stones they bring into their homes have been safely processed and bring no further hazards into their homes. It is our responsibility and pleasure to put our workers and customers first.  

Concluding Remarks: Durable, Safe Materials 

Though crystalline silica presents a grave threat, it is a threat with a solution. With the accessibility of higher-quality and safer alternatives there really is no excuse or reason to continue to use high-risk materials.  

We at Gen Stone provide a solution to the problem. With us providing your materials, builders, designers and homeowners can be certain that the end-product will be environment-friendly, safe, and ready to pass set regulations. Gen Stone believes that no benchtop is worth anyone’s health.