So asbestos in soapstone countertops is a known myth? I never heard of it until it came to it being a serious concern for sculptors using soapstone.

It's not ingesting asbestos that's the problem, but breathing it in. Unless you plan on grinding your counters and breathing in the dust, it shouldn't be a problem. Any asbestos that is not in a position to be air-borne is not a problem.

Maybe if you were fabricating soapstone all day you might be aware enough to wear a proper mask but in your home no issue.

You can also search this forum for questions about radiation from granite tops.

I've read that asbestos fibers were used in production of the epoxy resin, soapstone lookalike tops used in labs a few decades ago. IIRC there's no danger unless one cuts into the tops, and I don't remember how much of a risk was assessed.

Soapstone counters are the best! Three years running and not one ding or scratch =)

Catinthehat your countertops are beautiful!

Thank you! Yours will be too, get a nice naturally dark soapstone and you’ll never look back. The internet can be an information “overload” at times, don’t worry about asbestos, the dark counters do not have anywhere near the talc content and are quite durable to boot.

@catinthehat - do you remember the type of soapstone you have? I’ve just started my soapstone “quest” and and would love any tips in order to narrow things down. Thanks!

Real soapstone is composed of silica and talc. Not asbestos. That being said, inhaling the DUST from ANY stone, can be detrimental to the lungs. Unless you plan on grinding the stone yourself, you’ve nothing to be concerned about. And even then, just wear a mask.

My soapstone counters were installed five years ago, by M. Teixeira. The entire process...selection, fabrication and installation was as perfect an experience one could hope for. After installation, the workers left my kitchen spotless.

Here are my counters, Belvedere, one of the hardest varieties. We love our soapstone!

P. S. We haven’t oiled the counters in 4 years.

Very nice counter tops. But you will not e in the least risk of asbestos inhalation like this do not worry. Asbestos fibers only cause harm if dispersed or disturbed through drilling. and minor exposure do not cause any harm.

My friend took depositions on behalf of asbestos defendants. Au contraire, the tiniest amount of asbestos can lodge in one’s lungs and cause cancer years later. Contained asbestos is safe, but if grinding counters or splitting things like asbestos shingles, this requires special handling.