Debra Lynn Dadd

Silestone countertops

QUESTION:

Is anyone worried about the antimicrobial product in silestone countertops? I've explored Papercrete, kieri (sp?) wood, concrete and am now looking at silestone. Anyone have any yeas or nays about it? Thanks, Kate

POSTED BY KATE :: FLORIDA USA :: 10/19/2006 4:30 AM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

The antimicrobial agent used in Silestone is Microban. They don't say on their website exactly what the antibacterial agent is, but they comment that it "has a long history of safe use" and that it is "built-in during the manufacturing process and will not wash off or wear away," which leads me to believe it may be silver, a traditional microbial agent.

In response to the question, "Has anyone ever gotten sick from using products with Microban antimicrobial protection?" they answer:

Extensive testing and a long use history have shown Microban® product protection to be safe. While it is impossible to say that no one will ever experience an allergic reaction to anything, it is highly unlikely a negative experience would be observed. Microban additives are used in very low levels measured in parts per million.

I'm not concerned about it offgassing.

Debra :-)

COMMENTS:

THANK YOU!!

POSTED BY KATE :: FLORIDA USA :: 10/19/2006 1:47 PM

Have a Silestone counter in my house, installed in Spring 2001. Works great, no problem. Would highly recommend it as it's impervious to stains, cuts, burns, etc. Only mold problem has been in one small area behind the sink in the caulk between the counter and the backsplash. It's really more of a caulk problem than a Silestone problem.

POSTED BY JEFF :: PLANET RELATIONS :: WWW.PLANETRELATIONS.COM :: CALIFORNIA USA :: 10/20/2006 9:10 PM

Has anyone had experience with Dupont's Zodiaq composite quartz countertops, or have an opinion about their safety? They appear to be very similar to Silestone, but they do not add anti-bacterial or anti-microbial substances. I have chemical sensitivities and am considering installing quartz countertops in our new home -- I am impressed that they do not need sealing. My impulse was to go with a natural material like granite, but having to seal the surface defeats the purpose of having a natural, low-VOC product, IMHO. Here is a link to their technical information:
www2.dupont.com/Surfaces_Commercial/en_US/tech_info/bulletins/zodiaq.html

COMMENT FROM DEBRA: Just want to note it has been mentioned elsewhere that you do not have to seal granite. We have granite countertops and have not sealed them.

POSTED BY HOPE :: NEW YORK USA :: 08/18/2009 3:09 AM

I am considering installing silestone in the kitchen and bathrooms, but, being chemically sensitive, I am concerned about what safe products are available to glue them down.

COMMENT FROM DEBRA: I don't know about silestone installation, but when we had our granite countertops installed, they used some pretty toxic adhesive, but it dried quickly and then has been completely odorless. So you might want to be out of the house with all the windows open during installation, but then it should be OK. Readers, any experience with low-tox adhesives for countertop installation?

POSTED BY JOYCE N :: NORTH CAROLINA USA :: 08/21/2009 12:40 PM

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