Comment by threeseed
2 years ago
a) It is truly dangerous. On par with asbestos.
b) At least here in Australia the government any by extension taxpayers will have an increased health care burden because of this. Therefore it is entirely justified to limit its use.
My understanding is that a countertop won't release silica dust unless you cut it with power tools, unlike exposed asbestos which releases fibers with much less effort.
Correct.
Asbestos degrades over time and releases fibers with almost no effort/interaction with the material.
Engineered stone only releases dangerous particles when cut. It does not degrade.
They both require special care when being disposed of, but they are not "on par"