ENGINEERED STONE

What’s the Issue? And What are we Doing About it?

Concerns about the Re-emergence of silicosis in the Australian engineered stone industry have brought this issue to the attention of the public in Australasia. Engineered stone has typically contained a mineral called Silica, when a slab is cut dry, this produces a very fine dust, and the airborne particles of silica can be inhales if improper PPE is worn and overtime build up in lungs of the factory staff. Whilst engineered stone containing silica poses zero risks to the homeowner, the dust produced can be harmful to fabricators. However, Wood Design has implemented many safter measures and expended much resource on keeping our staff safe. Wet machinery is used to produce all stone tops and person protection is worn by staff members. New Zealand legislation also requires fabricators to be accredited to manufacture benchtops and regular air testing health checks are carried out.

ENGINEERED STONE

Our preferred material of this Type is Silestone, which is supplied by Consentino. In the interests of striking the right balance between improving worker safety, protecting the jobs of thousands of stonemasons, as well as jobs in construction and home building industries, whilst still providing consumers with high-quality, sustainable products for their home and/or business, Consentino has Expended huge amounts of time and money on finding a solutions to this problem… Namely HybriQ Technology. Silestone slabs with HybriQ technology maintain all the properties and physical benefits of quartz surfaces, while reducing crystalline silica levels and embracing sustainability as a basic principle. Silestone Q10 and Q40 products now contain a maximum of 10% and 40% crystalline silica content respectively. HybriQ+ also contains more than 20% recycled content. This company has been pro-active. Consentino is ahead of the game, and a supplier which is here to stay. Their open approach is unmatched by other companies and is a winning attribute; as they disclose the exact silica content percentage in every slab. With a quality product to stand besides, there is nothing to hide.