As in the case of any other construction material containing crystalline silica (granite, slate, marble, quartzite, tiles, bricks, concrete), the cutting and finishing of the products must be carried out by professionals in appropriate facilities for this purpose. If the processing is necessary in the place of installation of the product, the professional must use means to avoid the generation of dusty atmospheres (processing with water supply, dust extraction) and the inhalation of the dust that could be generated (respiratory protection, ventilation means). In any case, this does not pose a health risk to the final user. Silicosis and the other diseases associated with Respirable Crystalline Silica only develop as a consequence of continued or repeated occupational exposure.

Occasional Do-It-Yourself (DIY) activities conducted with Cosentino® products are unlikely to have an adverse health effect on people. Lung and other diseases are caused by inhalation of high dust levels regularly over many years. However, reducing dust generation during DIY works is a sensible precaution. There exist simple measures for dust prevention that can be carried out, such as avoiding dust spread by closing internal doors, using tools with integrated dust extraction, favoring wet processes, maintaining good hygiene and housekeeping, and wearing personal protective equipment. For more information about dust prevention during DIY activities, you might check www.diywithoutdust.eu.