Health dangers associated with installing engineered quartz countertops yourself
Dec 5, 2024, 1:07 PM
DIYers should take caution when installing engineered quartz countertops themselves. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — A new study said there’s a health danger for DIYers who cut and install their own engineered quartz countertops.
Engineered quartz generally contains much higher levels of silicon, because of the resin used.
Board member and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, Afif El-Hasan, said he encourages people who are sanding or working with fine particles such as engineered quartz to use the appropriate safety equipment.
“Silica dust is known to cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs,” El-Hasan said.
El-Hasan said you may not feel the effects now, but by using the right protective gear you could save yourself from chronic lung symptoms down the road.
“Take [working on your own house] seriously, just the same way a construction worker who’s coming to your house and working on it would want to take their lung health seriously,” El-Hasan said.
El-Hasan said wearing the proper protective gear is important for those DIY projects. He also encourages people to find out what chemicals they will be working with before they tackle projects.
Michele Rowe is a traffic reporter for KSL NewsRadio.
