Hylea
Countertops
Kitchen and bathroom work surfaces made from stone, quartz composites, laminate, solid surface, or other materials. Fabrication of stone and quartz creates hazardous silica dust.
Why It Matters
Quartz and stone countertop fabrication exposes workers to silica dust causing fatal lung disease. Sealers for natural stone often contain PFAS. Laminate substrates may contain formaldehyde.
Chemicals of Concern in This Product
Crystalline Silica
A mineral found in stone, sand, and quartz that becomes hazardous when cut, ground, or disturbed...
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
A colorless gas used as a preservative, disinfectant, and textile finishing agent. In clothing,...
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
A large group of synthetic chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't...
Styrene
A chemical building block used to make polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex....
Lead
A toxic heavy metal that was once commonly used in paint, plumbing, and many consumer products....
Ingredient Red Flags
Watch for these on ingredient labels:
- Sealed natural stone (PFAS in sealers)
- Cultured marble (styrene/polyester)
- Non-US ceramic tile (lead glazes)
- Standard laminate with formaldehyde substrate
What to Look For
- ✓Porcelain slabs (dense, no sealing needed)
- ✓Quartz (non-porous, no sealer needed in use)
- ✓Laminate with NAF (no-added-formaldehyde) substrate
- ✓Unsealed dense stone (soapstone, some granite)
Finding Safer Options
US-made porcelain slabs, quartz composite (safer in use, fabrication requires controls), stainless steel, butcher block from FSC-certified wood.
Certifications to Look For
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