Countertops Product Guidance

Countertops considered in this guidance include porcelain slabs, quartz, cultured marble, solid surface, plastic laminate, natural stone, and ceramic tiles. Hazardous chemicals are common in many of these countertop materials and their required accessory products.

Hazards of accessory products such as substrates, adhesives, sealers, mortar, and grout should be factored into product selection. Some accessory products are required for use of the countertop materials, such as substrates for laminate counters. These substrates (e.g. particleboard, medium density fiberboard) commonly rely on formaldehyde-based binders that release formaldehyde, a carcinogen and asthmagen, into interior spaces over time.[1] If possible, specify laminate countertops with substrates made with No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) or Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) resins. 

Other accessory products that introduce additional hazards include natural stone sealers. Our research indicates that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are common in stone sealers and that many natural stone products require sealing and resealing over time depending on stone porosity. PFAS are a class of chemicals that are a high priority to avoid because they can be toxic, persist in the environment, and build up in body tissues.[2] Certain grout sealers, such as those marketed as oil repelling, may also contain PFAS. Due to this, specifying countertops like ceramic tile that require grout and grout sealer is not recommended. See below for more complete guidance on hazards commonly present in countertop materials and accessory products as well as how to select healthier options.

In addition to hazards present during use, the production of countertop materials can have significant impacts on workers, nearby communities, and the broader environment through the release of hazardous chemicals. These impacts can occur at the facilities that make the countertops as well as those farther back in the supply chain. For example, if adequate controls are not in place, natural and engineered stone countertop fabrication and installation can expose workers to high levels of crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis (a lung disease).[3] Additionally, some countertop materials are made using plastic or other petroleum-derived materials. Oil and gas extraction and processing have significant impacts on surrounding communities.[4]

Here is some general guidance to use when choosing countertop materials:

• Specify mineral- or stone-based countertops that do not need to be sealed after installation. Good options include porcelain slabs, quartz, and some natural stone. Countertop sealers commonly contain PFAS, a class of chemicals, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” that are a high priority to avoid because they can be toxic, persist in the environment, and build up in body tissues.[2]
• Avoid countertops that are largely plastic. Examples such as cultured marble and solid surface are made from mineral fillers and plastic resins. Fossil fuel feedstocks are required for plastic production, and extraction and processing of these feedstocks have significant impacts on surrounding communities.[4]
• Avoid countertops that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) or Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) resins. Formaldehyde-based binders and adhesives can release formaldehyde, a carcinogen and asthmagen, into surrounding air after installation.[1] See the substrate guidance for additional details. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred. CDPH emissions testing imposes limits on 35 specific VOCs, including formaldehyde. [5]
• Avoid countertops that may introduce lead. Ceramic glazes may contain lead compounds; tiles made in the USA typically avoid such lead glazes. Additionally, old cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain high concentrations of lead, may be incorporated as recycled content. Avoid countertops with non-specific post-consumer recycled content and ceramics that include CRT content. You can use this information request template to ask manufacturers about the origins and screening processes for recycled content.
• Avoid products marketed as antimicrobial. There remains no evidence that antimicrobial additives protect human health, and credible organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration dissuade even hospitals from using products impregnated with antimicrobials.[6] Healthy Building Network advises that products advertised as antimicrobial be avoided whenever possible.[7]