Are Quartz Worktops Safe? Health and Safety of quartz worktops

If you are trying to buy a new kitchen worktop in the UK, it involves many decisions. For example, you consider colour, durability, cost, and much more. However, a new and crucial question for many homeowners, especially in the 2025 era, is safety. Many of our clients always ask, “Are quartz worktops even safe?” This is a very important topic. After all, you want to make sure the materials in your home are beautiful and also safe for you, pets, and family.

So, we have decided to address this topic in our comprehensive guide where we will discuss the health and safety concerns associated with quartz worktops. We are going to provide clear, practical advice. This will help you make an informed decision and feel confident in your choice. But before all of this, it is important to see what is the difference between a quartz countertop and a natural stone-made countertop.

Quartz vs Natural Worktops

Quartz is a man-made product. It is an engineered stone which is made from a blend of crushed natural quartz (quartz is a very hard mineral). This is mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments and the result is a non-porous and highly durable surface.

The manufacturing process helps for consistent patterns and colours. It is a modern solution that provides a uniform look. Plus, its composition makes it incredibly resistant to stains, scratches, and everyday wear. It is a hygienic surface that never needs to be sealed because it has no pores to absorb liquids.

On the other hand, natural worktops like granite worktops are quarried directly from the earth. Each slab is a unique piece of nature that has its own distinct colours and veining. However, natural stone is porous. This means it can absorb liquids.

Sadly, it needs regularly sealing (after every 1 or 2 years) to prevent stains and bacterial growth. Natural stone also has fissures and microscopic cracks. These are part of its natural formation. While granite is very durable, it is prone to chipping than quartz. Natural stone is a choice for those who want an authentic, organic look.

Silica Dust During Fabrication

The primary health concern related to quartz worktops is a specific type of dust. It is called crystalline silica dust. Quartz is mostly made of natural quartz, which is a form of crystalline silica. When a quartz slab is cut, ground, or polished, it releases this fine dust into the air.

Inhaling large amounts of this dust over a long period can lead to a serious lung disease called silicosis. This is a very real danger for workers in fabrication workshops. In addition to that, it is a specific occupational hazard.

This is not a risk for the homeowner or any individual quartz buyer. The risk is limited to the fabrication process. Professionals who cut the stone must have proper safety measures in place, which includes using a wet cutting process. The water suppresses the dust and keeps it from becoming airborne.

Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment are also essential for their safety. The good news is that these standards are well-established. Reputable UK fabricators (like us at Mo’s STONE X and DIY Kitchens Worktop) always follow strict health and safety guidelines. These guidelines are designed to protect their employees.

Safety During the Installation Process

The installation of a quartz worktop in your home is a very safe process. This is because the quartz kitchen worktop arrives already cut and finished. This means the dust-producing fabrication is completed off-site in a controlled environment.

The installers in your home will not create any significant amount of dust. They will lift and fit the finished slab. Plus, they use a special adhesive to secure the worktop to your cabinets. The small amounts of on-site trimming that is required are done with a vacuum system to capture any dust.

Moreover, the main safety concern during installation is the weight of the slab. As you know, quartz slabs are very heavy. A professional installation team has the right equipment and experience to lift and position the worktop safely.

They know how to handle it without risking injury or damage to your home. It is essential to use a certified and reputable installer. They follow all the necessary health and safety protocols. This guarantees a safe and smooth installation process from start to finish.

Are Quartz Worktops Safe for Your Home?

Once the quartz worktop is installed, it has no risk to your health (not a zero percent). It is a completely stable product. Hmm…the crystalline silica is trapped within the resin matrix and it cannot become airborne.

It will not off-gas harmful chemicals. This clearly means it is safe for your pets and family. There are no health risks associated with living with or using a finished quartz worktop as it is a safe surface for daily use.

More importantly, you can prepare food on it with confidence. The quartz surface will not release any toxic particles into the air or your food. The resins used in its creation are food-safe. So, they are also non-toxic.

Manufacturers follow strict safety regulations, which make sure the final product is safe for indoor and outdoor use. We must say a high-quality quartz worktop is a very safe and reliable choice for any home. It is a long-term, stable, and secure surface.

Quartz and Food Safety: Is it a Hygienic Surface?

Food safety is a very important concern. You want a kitchen worktop that is easy to clean and does not harbour bacteria. Quartz is an ideal surface for this. It is completely non-porous.

This means it does not absorb liquids, food particles, or bacteria. Spills just sit on the surface. They are easy to wipe away. It means there is no place for germs to hide or grow. This makes it a highly hygienic choice.

Furthermore, you can clean it easily with warm water and a little soap. A non-abrasive cleaner works perfectly here. You do not need harsh chemicals to keep it sanitised. Its smooth surface also prevents bacteria from sticking.

So, this is a major advantage over other materials. It is a great surface for food preparation. The final quartz product is a clean, safe, and hygienic worktop. This will definitely give you peace of mind.

Are Chemicals and Binders Harmful?

A small percentage of a quartz worktop is made from resins and polymers. These materials act as binders because they hold the natural quartz particles together. Often, concerns arise about these chemicals.

However, manufacturers like us always use food-safe and non-toxic resins. They are inert and stable once the worktop is fabricated. The resins are cured with heat. This process makes them non-reactive and they will not release any harmful substances.

Actually, the resins are what give engineered quartz its non-porous and durable qualities. They are essential to the product’s superior performance. Reputable manufacturers test their products for safety. At MO’s STONE X, our CEO, Mo, always test these products himself and then the testing team tests again.

They make sure they meet all the necessary health standards. A high-quality quartz worktop is completely safe for your home. You should always choose a certified brand. This ensures the product has been tested for safety.

Quartz and Radon: Fact or Fiction?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is found in some rocks and soil. It is present in very low levels in natural stones like granite. It is important to know that these levels are almost always negligible.

There are many articles that discuss radon. However, the amount of radon emitted from a granite worktop is incredibly small. It is far less than the natural background radiation you are exposed to every day.

The same is true for quartz worktops. The small amount of natural quartz used in the worktop might contain trace elements of radon. However, this is negligible. A finished quartz worktop is not a source of radon.

Hence, this concern is largely a myth. It is important to look at the facts. You should not be worried about this issue. The safety of the material has been proven.

Role of Professional Certifications and Standards

The safety of a quartz worktop is guaranteed by the industry’s strict standards. Reputable manufacturers and fabricators must follow a number of health and safety guidelines. These guidelines are in place to protect both workers and consumers. They regulate everything, including the sourcing of materials. It also covers the manufacturing process, proper ventilation, and dust suppression.

When you are choosing a worktop, look for a certified brand. A certified brand guarantees that the product has been tested for safety. It also guarantees that the manufacturing process is safe and it shows a commitment to quality. Therefore, a good brand will be transparent about its processes. The quartz worktop price can sometimes reflect this. A well-known brand is a little more expensive. However, you are paying for peace of mind. This is an important factor and it is worth it.

Protecting Consumers: What to Look for in 2025

As a consumer, you have the right to feel confident in your choice. You should always buy from a reputable company. You ought to ask about their health and safety procedures. So, ask about their certifications and even installation process.

A good company, like Mo’s STONE X, will be happy to answer your questions. They have nothing to hide and you should also ask to see samples. It will help you choose the right colour.

You can also do your own research like reading reviews from other customers, checking for any complaints, and looking for articles from trusted sources. This will help you make an informed decision.

Quartz worktop colours can vary greatly between brands. Therefore, a good brand will have a wide selection. This shows their commitment to their customers. You should feel comfortable with your choice as this is the most important thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is quartz heat-resistant like granite?

Quartz is heat-resistant, but the resins can get damaged by extreme temperatures. So, placing a very hot pan directly on the surface can scorch it. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the engineered quartz worktop. Granite, being a natural stone, handles high heat better. It is a key difference between the two materials.

• Does a quartz worktop contain any lead?

No, a quartz worktop does not contain any lead. The material is a blend of natural quartz, resin, and pigments. Lead is not used in the manufacturing process. It is a completely safe and non-toxic surface. You do not have to worry about lead or any other heavy metals leaching from the surface.

• Can a quartz worktop scratch or chip?

Although quartz is incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, it is not indestructible. A heavy, sharp object can cause a chip and a severe impact can cause a crack. However, it is far more resistant to these issues than many other materials. With normal use, a quartz worktop will remain flawless.

• Do quartz worktops fade in sunlight?

Some quartz worktops can fade over time with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The resins and pigments used in their creation can be susceptible to UV rays. It is not recommended to use standard quartz for outdoor kitchens. However, there are some newer, specialised UV-resistant quartz options.

• How do I know if my installer is safe?

You should choose a professional fabricator and installer who has a good reputation. Ask to see their certifications. They should be transparent about their safety protocols. They should use proper equipment and follow all health and safety guidelines.

A good company will have a team of trained professionals. This ensures a safe and quality installation. If you want our services and products, contact us day. Email us, get a free quote, or directly call us.