NIOSH is seeking public comments that will help the agency develop a survey of artificial stone countertop fabrication facilities, as described in a Federal Register notice published on June 6. The survey would be part of a proposed project intended to help NIOSH better understand work practices and controls related to respirable crystalline silica in these facilities. The project would also examine factors aiding or hindering the implementation of medical and exposure monitoring requirements as well as identify areas for potential interventions within the artificial stone countertop manufacturing industry.Get more news about Artificial Stone Supplier,you can vist our website!
Silicosis is a potentially fatal lung disease associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica. According to the background information provided in the Federal Register, 24 cases of silicosis, including two deaths, have been reported among artificial stone fabrication workers in the U.S. The notice stresses that since artificial stone countertop fabrication is a relatively new technology, “the obligation to monitor workers’ health might not be known, considered, or understood; and education on potential hazards and health risks related to respirable crystalline silica is limited.” NIOSH anticipates that its proposed survey will increase communication with the industry about hazards, exposure mitigation methods, and better medical surveillance. Artificial stone worktops, walls, floors, stairs resemble those made of natural stone. Artificial stone has similar textures and patterns to natural stone, but it is often regarded as more durable and easier to maintain in good shape than natural stone. Solid surface, engineered quartz, sintered stone and ceramic surfaces, all manufactured using advanced technologies, look modern and elegant in any interior.
Artificial stone surfaces in private homes, hotels, restaurants, medical premises are valued for their hardness and considerable thinness. All four surface types are non-porous or very little porous. This latter characteristics means that spilled liquids will not penetrate into the countertop, making it easy to clean and keep tidy with smallest efforts. Non porous artificial surfaces do not need to be sealed. Acrylic stone slabs can be formed and folded during the manufacturing process which makes it possible to fabricate sinks from the same material as the countertops. They are usually installed into worktops without any visible seams.
Most artificial stone worktops are stronger and less fragile than those made from natural stone, such as marble, onyx or travertine. Engineered surfaces can resist stronger abrasion, scratching, UV rays. Acrylic stone is the softest and less scratch-resistant of the man-made materials, but the good news is that old or damaged acrylic surfaces can be repaired and repolished as many times as necessary. Once repolished, old acrylic worktops will look new again, generally no signs of repair will be visible.
The standard thickness of artificial stone slabs is 12 mm or 20 mm. Thinner panels (6 mm and 3 mm) are commonly used for wall cladding and furniture facades. In comparison, natural stone slabs generally are 20 to 40 mm thick, therefore tend to be heavier and bulkier than engineered stone slabs. The lighter the slabs, the easier it is to transport, work and install it. Thin worktops look modern, elegant and minimalistic. If needed, the edges can be visually broadened to the required thickness when manufacturing the worktop, but this does not result in a significantly heavier piece of furniture.
