Health concerns in countertops vary wildly depending on the type of surface. They range from resins used to make engineered quartz products or composite wood substrates used in a laminate surface.
Natural stone is benign unless it is sealed with coatings containing PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) or petroleum products. These chemicals are linked to cancer and developmental problems. Given the range of hazardous substances potentially found in countertops, it is best to look for products assessed for emissions and product contents.
https://pfascentral.org/pfas-b...
Below are a few examples of countertops that meet our rigorous evaluation. For further help on your own search, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.
Countertops
7 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
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Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Product in Development
Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.
Available in the EU
Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures |
---|---|---|
Lapitec | Sintered Stone Slabs |
Sintered Stone SlabsUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryLapitec is an alternative to marble made from natural minerals using vacuum vibro-compression, drying, and sintering (joining the mineral grains together through heat and pressure only). Despite smaller amounts of initially hazardous materials (see HPD for further information), the process of sintering effects a physical change in the material that renders these ingredients benign and inert. Lapitec's product life cycle is reversible meaning it could be converted back into raw minerals and reused; production is fueled by mostly renewable energy. It is available in the form of slabs, tiles, and any other cut-to-size product and is suitable for interior or exterior cladding, paving, flooring, curtain walling, and ventilated facades. CategoryStone, SinteredManufacturerLapitecMaterial composition*Ceramic materials and wares, Frits, Feldspar, Water, Undisclosed (4.80-6%), Kaolin clay, Quartz, Zircon, Undisclosed (1-3%), Undisclosed (.09-3%), Silica, Undisclosed (0-0.18%), Undisclosed Chemical #1 (0-4%), Undisclosed Chemical #2 (0-1%) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGVariable COLORSVariable CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
GREENGUARD | Gold
NSF/ANSI 51 Certification
Last UpdatedMarch 18, 2024 |
Coldspring | Granite Countertop |
Granite CountertopUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryColdspring Granite Countertops are made from 100% natural granite. Stone is one of the most durable materials that you can use for any application - when specified and detailed correctly, these countertops can last for hundreds of years. Their long life results in granite countertops’ very low embodied energy levels. Coldspring is also committed to sustainable manufacturing practices that maximize the utilization of resources while minimizing energy use. CategoryDimensional Surface, Solid StoneManufacturerColdspringMaterial composition*Granite 100% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGCustom Sizes - available in 3/4” thickness COLORSAvailable in a variety of granite types CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
NSF/ANSI 51 Certification
Contributes to LEED credits
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedJuly 11, 2023 |
Caesarstone | Quartz Classic Collection |
Quartz Classic CollectionUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryCaesarstone's premium quartz can be used in both commercial and residential projects. Quartz provides a durable, low-maintenance surface for kitchens and bathrooms. This product also is Greenguard Gold Certified. CategoryDimensional Surface, Engineered StoneManufacturerCaesarstoneMaterial composition*Crystalline Silica and other natural Stone <85%, Cristobalite <50%, Polymeric Resin 7-15%, Additives 0-8% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGCustom Sizes - available in 3/4” or 1-1/4” thickness COLORSAvailable in a variety of colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
GREENGUARD | Gold
Contributes to LEED credits
Last UpdatedMarch 18, 2024 |
IceStone | IceStone |
IceStoneAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryIceStone manufactures their countertops in Brooklyn, NY out of just three core ingredients: 100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and non-toxic pigments. Their product is free of petrochemical & plastic resins, and thirteen of their colors carry Cradle to Cradle Silver or Gold Certifications. CategoryDimensional Surface, Engineered StoneManufacturerIceStoneMaterial composition*100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and non-toxic pigments *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGIceStone slabs are 52.5" wide by 96.5" long, and 1.25" thick (nominal) COLORSMultiple Colors Available CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
NSF/ANSI 51 Certification
Cradle to Cradle | Silver
Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certification
Last UpdatedMarch 18, 2024 |
Daltile | Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces |
Panoramic Porcelain SurfacesAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryDalTile's Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces are comprised of silica, quartz, mullite, and feldspar. Raw materials are extracted from quarries with environmental recovery plans according to EU Directive 92/43 / EEC. Due to their production process and material composition, these products require no additional sealants which often contain toxic materials. Their surfaces mimic the appearance of natural stone slabs and concrete and can be used for floors, walls, and countertops. CategoryTile, PorcelainManufacturerDaltileMaterial composition*Silica 75-85%, Quartz 10-15%, Mullite 2.5-5%, Feldspar 0-5% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGvaries across collections COLORSvaries across collections CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedMarch 20, 2024 |
HempWood | Hempwood 3-Layer |
Hempwood 3-LayerAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryHempWood is a hardwood alternative composed of hemp hurd and a soy based binder. Three layers of hempwood are cross-laminated as a countertop product. HempWood has a higher Janka rating than oak. It is a durable wood option, making use of carbon-sequestering hemp. All hemp for this product is grown locally in the U.S. and the entire supply chain is within a 100-mile radius of Murray, Kentucky. It contains 96% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. HempWood products are available either with a factory finish ( the manufacturer uses a Bona Finish) or unfinished. Refer to HML's Healthier Finishes collection for healthier wax or oil finish recommendations. CategoryDimensional Surface, Engineered WoodManufacturerHempWoodMaterial composition*hempwood, soy binder *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Last UpdatedFebruary 14, 2024 |
Coverings Etc. | Bio-Glass® |
Bio-Glass®Available At the Donghia Materials LibraryBio-Glass is composed of 100% recycled glass, free from colorants and additives. Its composition is primarily crystalline silica in the form of quartz. Bio-glass is recommended for countertops, walls, and floors, offering versatility in architectural applications. The product is C2C Certified® with an overall rating of gold and contributes to LEED. CategoryDimensional Surface, GlassManufacturerCoverings Etc.Material composition*100% Recycled Glass *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedMarch 19, 2024 |
The products in this collection have all been evaluated holistically for their contents and performance. To be considered, a product must disclose at least 75% of its ingredients by weight. It should avoid the biggest health concerns (such as those indicated in the HML Spec guidance for this product category) or be third-party certified.
Spec Guidance
Be cautious about surface sealants as these coatings often contain per-fluorinated chemicals (PFACsS), which have been linked to reproductive disorders and developmental disabilities (HomeFree).
Prefer solid granite countertops. Granite can be a healthy option if it is mechanically polished rather than chemically sealed. Look for solid granite that has low absorption rates (indicated by ASTM C97).
Specify large-format products. There can be concerns with grouts and mortars. Some manufacturers now offer slabs up to 5'x10' that eliminate the majority of grout joints.
Updated March 13, 2018
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