Engineered Stone and Silica: What Homeowners Should Know
Published •5 min read
You may have seen news linking engineered stone countertops to silicosis, a serious lung disease. In February 2026, OSHA and NIOSH issued an updated hazard alert on silica in the countertop industry. The alert is about workers: cutting, grinding, edging and polishing stone releases fine crystalline silica dust. Here's what it says, and what it means for you as a homeowner.
Silica Content by Stone
The alert notes that silica content varies widely, and that it isn't only an engineered-stone issue:
| Stone | Typical crystalline silica |
|---|---|
| Engineered stone | Under 0.2% to about 95%, depending on the product |
| Quartzite | 95% or more |
| Granite | About 10% to 50% |
| Marble and limestone | Under 5% |
Who Is at Risk
The alert identifies the hazard for workers who manufacture, finish and install stone countertops. According to the alert, workers using powered saws, grinders and polishers have some of the highest exposures, in fabrication shops and on job sites where finishing work is done. Inhaling very small silica particles over time puts workers at risk of silicosis, an incurable lung disease.
What It Means for Homeowners
- The hazard described comes from dust created when stone is cut, ground and polished. Everyday use of an installed countertop, such as cooking, cleaning and setting things down, doesn't involve those tasks.
- If a countertop ever needs cutting or drilling, for example a new faucet hole, have a professional do it rather than doing it yourself.
- It's reasonable to ask any fabricator how they control dust. The alert describes water-based cutting and local exhaust ventilation as key controls.
Questions to Ask a Fabricator
- 1How do you control dust when cutting and polishing?
- 2Is any cutting or polishing done on site, and how is dust controlled there?
- 3Will any adjustments be needed after installation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are quartz countertops dangerous to have at home?
The OSHA and NIOSH silica warnings concern workers who cut, grind and polish stone, which creates silica dust. Everyday kitchen use doesn't involve those tasks.
Is silica only in quartz countertops?
No. The 2026 alert lists quartzite at 95% or more and granite at about 10% to 50%, while engineered stone ranges from under 0.2% to about 95% depending on the product.
Can I cut or drill my own stone countertop?
It's best not to. Cutting and drilling create dust; have a professional with proper dust controls do it.
How do fabricators control silica dust?
The alert describes controls such as water-based cutting and local exhaust ventilation, along with other protective measures.
Get a Quote from Mega Solutions
Mega Solutions installs quartz, granite, quartzite and marble countertops, and also sells and installs cabinets. Request a personalized quote, and ask us any questions about your stone.
Sources
- OSHA and NIOSH, "Hazard Alert: Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing, and Installation" (February 2026): cdc.gov
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