In the evolving landscape of home aesthetics, engineered stone, often referred to as quartz, countertops have emerged as a coveted choice for their durability and diverse designs. However, beneath their surface beauty lies a grave health hazard for workers involved in their manufacture, predominantly due to exposure to silica dust when fabrication takes place in a “dry” shop environment . This issue has raised significant health concerns, leading to severe conditions like silicosis, a relentless and untreatable lung disease that has been afflicting workers who handle the cutting, grinding, and polishing of these surfaces.

NPR’s investigative reports have shed light on the dire situation, highlighting the story of individuals like Jose Martinez, whose lives have been drastically altered by the development of silicosis due to prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace. The stark reality of these health risks has prompted a critical reevaluation of industry practices and the materials used in countertop manufacturing.

In response to the growing concerns over the health implications of silica dust exposure, Australia has taken a pioneering step by banning engineered stone, recognizing the unparalleled risks posed by the material’s high silica content. The ban originally scheduled to take effect July 1, has now been amended to be in place effective December 31, 2024 to allow for the industry to transition away from Engineered stone.  This landmark decision underscores the urgency of addressing the health hazards associated with engineered stone and the need for safer alternatives.

Amidst these developments, acrylic solid surface materials, such as those offered by brands like Corian and LX Hausys, have emerged as a viable and safer alternative. Unlike engineered stone, these materials are crafted from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, significantly reducing the risk of silica dust exposure during their manufacturing and fabrication processes. The lower silica content in these materials presents a compelling option for both the industry and consumers, aligning aesthetic preferences with ethical manufacturing practices that prioritize worker safety.

The industry’s adaptation to these challenges, including companies like Caesarstone exploring alternative products to maintain their presence in markets like Australia, highlights the viability of safer materials in the global marketplace. This shift not only reflects a commitment to worker safety but also opens a dialogue about the role of consumers in advocating for ethical and sustainable production practices.

The narratives and investigations into the health risks associated with engineered stone countertops serve as a potent call to action for regulators, employers, and consumers. By prioritizing safety and health in the countertop manufacturing industry, there is a hopeful vision for a future where home aesthetics do not come at the cost of human lives. For a detailed exploration of this critical issue, NPR’s coverage offers comprehensive insights into the personal and industry-wide repercussions of silica exposure, emphasizing the need for immediate and concerted action to safeguard the well-being of workers in the industry.

LG Hausys, known as an innovative manufacturer of building and decorative materials, announced that it has changed its name to LX Hausys, Ltd. from July 1, 2021.

The company name change is part of the process of incorporating LG Hausys, LG International, Silicon Works, and LG MMA into the LX Group, which was established by Koo Bon-joon, the younger brother of the late Chairman Koo Bon-moo, in May. The companies will now use the LX brand.

The new name is a result of the company’s position within the recently established LX Holdings Corp. The holding company is a globally diversified organization, a spin-off from the LG Group, the South Korean multinational conglomerate best known for its advanced consumer electronics and myriad other products designed to link innovation to a better life.

This change will enable the company to continue to invest in the European market while retaining its link to the innovative spirit for which LG is known. The name change will not affect customer or business operations. The company’s distinct product portfolio will remain in place. This includes its well-known brands for the architectural and design sector HI-MACS® and Viatera®.

In conjunction with the announcement, LX Hausys unveiled a new company logo. The logo consists of a red square symbol that is a re-imagination of the parent company’s heritage.

The curved, white line signifies the Lucky Linked Wave, which symbolizes the flowing link to a sustainable future. Next to the red square symbol are the letters L, which stands for “Link” and X, which stands for “the infinite possibilities for a sustainable future.”

What is Solid Surface?

Solid surface is a manufactured material most commonly used for seamless countertop installations. It is frequently referred to as Corian®, a product developed by DuPont™ in 1964.

It can be readily cut, routed and sanded like wood and formed into countertops, shower walls, external cladding for buildings, signage and furniture where non-porosity and infrequent maintenance are highly valued. These are just a few of the many applications.

Solid surface is made of acrylic resin, polyester resin or a combination of the two that is then combined with filler, color pigments and acrylic chips. This composition is most frequently extruded or poured as ½” thick sheets that are 30” x 144” and are the same color throughout their thickness.
In addition to being workable like hard wood, it can be heated and thermoformed into curved and molded shapes. It can also be printed on using dye-sublimation techniques that deposit the ink just below the surface so the image becomes permanent.

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8 Features of Solid Surface

1) Hygenic & Health Promoting Properties

Solid surface prevents microbial growth, not supporting the growth of bacteria, mold or other fungus, which makes it highly suitable for healthcare settings like hospitals, doctors’ offices, hospices and retirement homes. This also makes it desirable for commercial kitchens and bathrooms, which commonly come in contact with germs, and it goes without saying that these qualities are also great for household kitchens and baths.

With at least a basic understanding of the material, its properties, fabrication techniques and popular uses, it begins to be easily seen why solid surface is highly suitable and growing in usage for healthcare, commercial kitchens and other places that can be potentially risky in terms of prevention of exposure to harmful, illness causing agents and must be able to stand up against heavy use.

2) Non Porous

Can be safely cleaned with a bleach solution, to kill viruses, per the CDC guidelines. It does not need to be sealed and repels waters and most substances, such as wine, grease, hair dye, blood, “permanent” markers, and other damaging materials.

3) Easy Maintenance

It is renewable and repairable. Minor stains and scratches can be removed relatively easily with the use of a wet Scotchbrite® pad. Deeper scratches can be removed using an orbital sander. Breaks and cracks can be repaired to look brand new.

4) Seamless

Can be joined nearly invisibly allowing long stretches of material to appear as one piece with no cracks, crevices or seam visibility. Integral sinks, coved backsplashes, and seamless wall contours, prevent the harboring of bacteria and make cleaning much easier.

5) Colors and Patterns

Comes in thousands of color and pattern options. Often made to look like granite, quartz, solid colors, wood grains, veined stones, translucent colors and many others. Many manufacturers also create custom colors for particular applications or to match logos, etc.

6) Thermoformable

Can be heated and thermoformed into curved and molded shapes. This feature provides the versatility and creative flexibility to to build countoured walls and casework, custom sinks, intricate furniture, lighting, and many other products left only to the imagination of the creator.

7) GREENGUARD™ and NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certification

Many brands carry these certifications:

GREENGUARD™ Certification which means it is low chemical emitting and has been tested for hundreds of VOCs which can be considered harmful by UL and does not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

NSF/ANSI Standard 51 certification means it has been tested and is safe for food contact for all types of food. This is considered a safe product for use in commercial or residential kitchens.

8) Versatility of Solid Surface

Horizontal Applications include Countertops, Healthcare, Retail

Vertical Applications: Wall-cladding, Shower Walls, Casework & Partitions

Other Applications: Textured Surfaces, Furniture, Cabinetry

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