In early , federal policy discussions on workplace safety regulations have prompted attention in industries handling materials like quartz surfacing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a “multi-stakeholder review” to evaluate regulatory approaches for managing crystalline silica exposure.
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This review aims to balance health protection with industry needs, potentially encouraging the adoption of Zero Silica Quartz alternatives that can reduce silica dust risks while maintaining material performance standards.
In contrast to federal hesitancy, state and local jurisdictions have begun addressing silica safety more assertively, implementing new requirements that not only protect workers but also accelerate the market adoption of Zero Silica Quartz products.
In March , California passed Assembly Bill , becoming the first U.S. state to establish mandatory silica content thresholds for stone surfacing products used in public contracts and new commercial developments. The law mandates that, by , all surfacing products used in state-funded projects contain no more than 1% crystalline silica, effectively promoting the use of Zero Silica Quartz alternatives.
AB also requires:
Mandatory product labeling that indicates silica content.
Worker training and respirator use for any material with detectable silica.
Incentives for contractors and manufacturers that transition to Zero Silica Quartz or similar low-risk materials.
This move has already spurred increased R&D investment and supply chain reevaluation among surface manufacturers.
Washington State launched a pilot program in King County to transition public facilities and hospitals to Zero Silica Quartz countertops and flooring. Early results show a 40% reduction in reported silica exposure incidents among workers. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Department of Labor announced a grant program for small fabrication shops that replace traditional quartz processing with Zero Silica Quartz technology, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities.
Governments and industries worldwide are moving decisively toward safer alternatives:
Australia’s National Ban: In December , Australia announced a nationwide ban on high-silica engineered stone effective July . Only products classified as Zero Silica Quartz or with <1% silica content will be permitted.
The EU REACH Directive is expected to include silica dust under hazardous chemical reporting requirements by .
Canada’s Silica Reduction Strategy now includes federal funding to incentivize importers and domestic producers to switch to Zero Silica Quartz for all interior applications.
These moves provide both a roadmap and urgency for U.S. policymakers and industry leaders to consider coordinated national actions.
Zero Silica Quartz is a new category of engineered surface material designed to retain the durability, aesthetics, and versatility of traditional quartz stone while eliminating its most hazardous component—crystalline silica. These surfaces are typically composed of materials like:
Recycled glass
Aluminosilicates
Sintered minerals
High-pressure porcelain composites
Unlike conventional quartz, which may contain up to 90% crystalline silica, Zero Silica Quartz is formulated to contain less than 1% silica, drastically reducing airborne dust risk during cutting, polishing, and installation.
Zero Silica Quartz offers a comprehensive package of benefits:
Worker Safety: No silica dust exposure, mitigating risks of silicosis and lung cancer.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets or exceeds the strictest occupational health standards globally.
Waste Management: Some variants are recyclable or derived from post-consumer materials.
Consumer Appeal: Growing demand from eco-conscious homeowners and commercial designers.
These advantages make Zero Silica Quartz a critical innovation for the future of sustainable and safe construction.
Developers, particularly in education, hospitality, and health care, are increasingly prioritizing materials that meet both low-emission and zero-silica criteria to protect long-term liability and promote ESG credentials.
Homeowners and DIY designers are driving demand for Zero Silica Quartz countertops and vanities, particularly in markets like New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Brands that clearly advertise safety and sustainability attributes are seeing higher conversion rates.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Zero silicon artificial stone. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Just as LEED reshaped green building, new certifications such as Silica-Free Verified™ and SafeSurface Gold™ are emerging, giving certified manufacturers and retailers a competitive edge.
Despite the clear benefits, there are hurdles ahead:
Cost Differentials: New material processes are often more expensive, particularly during early market penetration.
Inconsistent State Standards: Without federal guidance, states may set divergent rules, complicating logistics and compliance.
Installer Confusion: Lack of industry-wide education campaigns leads to misinformation or mishandling of materials.
Supply Chain Gaps: The availability of Zero Silica Quartz is still limited compared to traditional engineered stone.
Dr. Laura Chen, Industrial Hygienist at the University of California:
“We’re seeing a paradigm shift in how surfacing materials are evaluated—not just for performance but for their health profile. Zero Silica Quartz should become a new baseline in responsible design.”
David Rojas, Founder of SafeStone Fabrication Cooperative:
“Our union members have lost coworkers to preventable illnesses caused by silica exposure. We’re fully backing the adoption of Zero Silica Quartz—not only is it safer, it’s just as beautiful and durable.”
At sunhingstones, we are proud to be among the first U.S. companies to develop and commercialize Zero Silica Quartz materials. Our product line includes:
Silica-Free Kitchen Worktops
Commercial-Grade Bathroom Panels
Eco-Certified Interior Wall Cladding
sunhingstones’s Advantages:
Independently certified under Silica-Free Verified™.
Manufactured using closed-loop processes with minimal emissions.
Engineered for strength, stain resistance, and design flexibility.
Available in bulk for developers and designers seeking LEED-eligible alternatives.
Our commitment to health and sustainability is core to our mission. We believe Zero Silica Quartz is not just the future of stone—it’s the foundation for a safer industry.
Visit us at https://www.sunhingstones.com/ for product details and collaboration opportunities.
1. Why is silica dangerous?
Crystalline silica, when inhaled as fine dust during stone cutting or processing, causes lung damage, silicosis, and increases the risk of cancer.
2. What qualifies a product as Zero Silica Quartz?
Any surfacing material with <1% crystalline silica by weight. These products must be verified by third-party testing to be marketed under that term.
3. Are Zero Silica Quartz products as durable as traditional quartz?
Yes. Many variants exceed industry standards in impact resistance, heat tolerance, and stain protection.
4. Will more states adopt Zero Silica Quartz mandates?
Momentum is growing. Several states are studying California’s AB as a model for future legislation.
5. How can contractors and designers access certified products?
Leading manufacturers like Sun Hing Stone provide detailed product catalogs, stone samples, and work closely with trusted distributors to support project planning, material selection, and compliance with industry standards.
The U.S. finds itself at a pivotal moment: one where the health of workers, sustainability of materials, and innovation in surfaces intersect. Zero Silica Quartz is emerging not only as a solution to regulatory gaps but as a transformative material in construction, design, and manufacturing.
While federal leadership lags, states, innovators, and consumers are lighting the way forward. By embracing safer standards, fostering public-private collaboration, and empowering industry change, the U.S. can lead globally in sustainable, silica-free surfaces.
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