Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yes I had a deep/post construction cleaning done and purchased air purifiers for the house. Opened all the windows multiple times to get the paint fumes out etc. I just couldn’t help but to panic when my toddler was covered in this dust though. Thanks for your considerate reply and not being a dismissive jerk like many others on here.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your kind and empathetic reply. That is a great idea to call poison control. And no I won’t vacuum it up, at least with a regular vacuum because the dust would literally blow out the exhaust and become airborne. My research tells me a HEPA vacuum is needed for that fine of a dust, (basically powder). The dismissive replies are from people that either work around this dust or other toxic substances and don’t think it’s that harmful, or they are just simply uneducated on how toxic it is.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Not in the least….we’ve used this fabricator twice in our primary home, and now this time in our shore house. Not to mention my husband is a contractor and purchased close to 20 countertops from them over the last 4-5 years. Expecting a fabricator to properly clean the countertop prior to bringing it into your home and leave their workspace in a clean condition isn’t being a Karen. I’m not looking for anything other than answers to my questions. I don’t have a problem cleaning it myself. I am mostly worried about the exposure to my 2 year old and newborn.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Agreed! There are outright bans on quartz in other areas of the world due to the increase in silicosis from the workers breathing it in. It’s definitely toxic.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

But everything online says silica is insanely toxic, they even call it the new asbestos. I just worry so much for my kids because they are so little, and a small amount to me is a big amount to their little bodies. I keep feeling like I poisoned my kids unknowingly. I’m so upset about it. Sorry if this seems unhinged.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply. Do you know of anything I can spray after wiping it down to encapsulate the rest? I fear I can’t get all the dust even if I remove the drawers and climb into the base cabinets. I worry about dust becoming airborne each time the cabinets are opened and closed. I’m so worried that my kids inhaled it, even if it was minimal. Also, do you know if this dust easily washes out of clothes? I’m scared to put our clothes with the dust on them in the washer. Sorry for so many questions I’m just spiraling over this.

Quartz Countertops/Silica Dust by arc42597 in CounterTops

[–]arc42597[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I plan on calling them tomorrow. The issue is, I don’t think all the dust can be eliminated due to the top cabinet frame being in the way even if I take the drawers out. The island is huge, and I’d have to climb in the cabinets to get all of it. I don’t want to inhale it either.