The Science of Safe

Why zero silica matters

Beautiful surfaces should never come at the cost of human health. Here is the science, the regulation and the craft behind our commitment to zero crystalline silica.

Industry Alert

California is changing the rules

In May 2026, California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board voted to initiate emergency rulemaking to ban the fabrication and sale of engineered stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica — following Australia’s nationwide ban in 2024.

560+

Confirmed silicosis cases in California since 2019, including 31 deaths

<1%

Proposed California threshold for crystalline silica in engineered stone

0%

Crystalline silica in every EuroStone Zero surface, certified by our manufacturer Stone Italiana

EuroStone Zero surfaces are manufactured with 0% crystalline silica content as certified by Stone Italiana, our manufacturer, and are positioned to meet proposed California regulatory requirements. Based on manufacturer certifications and EPD documentation — consult current regulations for compliance requirements specific to your project.

Silicosis is preventable

Cutting and polishing high-silica engineered stone releases respirable crystalline silica dust — the cause of an epidemic of accelerated silicosis among fabricators. Zero silica removes the hazard at its source.

Ahead of regulation

California has moved to restrict engineered stone above 1% crystalline silica, following Australia’s nationwide ban. EuroStone Zero was engineered to exceed tomorrow’s standards, today.

Healthier indoor air

GREENGUARD Gold certification means low chemical emissions — cleaner air quality for the homes and workplaces our surfaces live in.

By the numbers

Crystalline silica by material

Not all surfaces are equal. Here is how common countertop materials compare on crystalline silica content.

Traditional Quartz
90–95%
Quartzite
70–95%
Granite
10–50%
EuroStoneLow Silica
5–30%
Marble
<5%
EuroStoneZero Silica
Zero crystalline silica
0%

Crystalline silica is linked to silicosis when inhaled during fabrication. Australia banned engineered stone above 1% silica in 2024; California voted to initiate similar rulemaking in May 2026. Ranges are indicative. Sources: OSHA, CDC/NIOSH, AIHA, manufacturer SDS.

The Process

From quarry waste to countertop

Every zero silica surface begins as recycled stone-quarrying waste and is transformed through a fully sustainability-driven production process.

01

Responsible sourcing

Selected suppliers sharing our sustainability principles and a commitment to quality from the source.

02

100% recycled minerals

Pre-consumer mineral aggregates reclaimed from stone-quarrying waste — completely quartz-free.

03

Plant-based resin

A 21% plant-based resin formulation reduces dependence on fossil resources while maintaining superior bond strength.

04

Responsible production

Multi-step processing at ISO 9001 certified facilities ensures quality, safety and recyclability at every stage.

05

High-tech pressing

State-of-the-art vacuum vibro-compression technology produces a finished slab with full-body consistency.

Side by side

Zero silica vs traditional quartz

See how zero silica surfaces compare to conventional engineered quartz across every key metric.

Traditional Quartz

  • 90–95% crystalline silica content
  • Releases respirable crystalline silica dust during fabrication
  • Requires specialised dust-control equipment (OSHA)
  • Linked to the silicosis epidemic among fabricators
  • Subject to proposed California restrictions (>1% silica)
  • Virgin raw materials — not recycled

EuroStone Zero Silica

  • 0% crystalline silica — verified by manufacturer
  • No respirable crystalline silica dust during fabrication
  • No specialised dust-control equipment needed
  • The safest option for fabricators and installers
  • Meets the proposed California <1% silica threshold
  • 100% recycled pre-consumer minerals from quarry waste
Both deliver
Non-porous Stain resistant Heat resistant Scratch resistant
Certified

Certified safe & sustainable

Independently verified across health, safety and environmental standards — from indoor air quality to recycled content.

GREENGUARD Gold

Certified for low VOC emissions — safe indoor air quality.

NSF / ANSI 51

Food-safe surfaces certified for direct food contact.

EPD Certified

Environmental Product Declaration with full life-cycle transparency.

ISO 14021

Verified recycled content from pre-consumer mineral waste.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management certification across the production process.

LEED v4

Contributes to green-building credits for sustainable construction.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Zero silica quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces manufactured with 0% crystalline silica — the mineral linked to silicosis. EuroStone Zero surfaces are produced by Stone Italiana using 100% recycled, quartz-free mineral aggregates, delivering the beauty and performance of premium quartz without the respirable silica hazard.

Ready to go zero silica?

Request free samples of any zero silica surface. We ship nationwide from California.