The potential health hazards of crystalline silica are well known. OSHA has regulated crystalline silica exposure in the construction industry since 2017.

I thought this was going to be about large slabs of engineered stone acting as a human-swatter (much like a fly-swatter).

Two posts in one day. The other one is currently 3 posts down from yours: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6403241/silicosis-in-quartz-fabricators#n=12

I was unaware of this problem until a couple of years ago when starting to make selections for our new home. I read about it after deciding we'd most likely go with quartz, then decided to take a look at other options. The first sales rep for a counter installer insisted she'd never heard of silicosis and became rather rude about my questions regarding safety. It took two more tries to find a sales rep that even understood the difference between quartz and quartzite, much less had any more knowledge.

As long as HGTV shows continue to promote quartz, and even install it as backsplashes behind gas ranges, consumers will likely remain unaware of the silicosis issue or discount it since they see their favorite show hosts installing it. Why research a material that you've already been told is the best thing ever?

Exposure to crystalline silica isn't limited to the fabrication of stone counter tops and it doesn't make the material a bad choice for consumers. Crystalline silica exposure is also a potential hazard when cutting or drilling fiber-cement siding, concrete block, brick, etc.

A really unspersuasive argument after reading the article.

The US's supposed open border policy is the cause of silicosis? Someone tell Australia.

Australia now bans the use, manufacture, import and sale of quartz counters.

There are safer ways to cut and shape the product--separate air supply and tight-fitting breathing apparatus--respirators. I haven't seen them employed at the counter makers we've used in the past. Under new rules in our jurisdiction that should have changed.

The fact that cutting quartz is not the only silica safety risk in construction doesn't justify turning a blind eye to the dangers. Nor that in the US new immigrants are the principal victims.

In any case, silly me is seriously looking at polyester, Corian and stainless steel.

I am going to start a trend of concrete countertops using recycled sidewalks and freeways.

A more recent article I posted last week: Danger: quartz countertops

SoCal has abandoned efforts, for this year, to ban engineered stone; instead, requiring a "may be hazardous to your health" warning from stone yards.