On July 1, 2024, the Australian government officially promulgated and implemented a ban on the use of crystalline silica in artificial stone countertops, aiming to address the health risks of long-term exposure to crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is identified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, and long-term exposure to its dust may cause silicosis, lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases. In order to protect the health of workers and consumers, the Australian government has taken this strong measure to reduce the harm to the human body during the production and use of stone. This ban not only promotes the healthy transformation of the quartz board industry, but also promotes the research and development and application of alternative materials such as non-crystalline silica glass powder, becoming an important milestone in the global green building and environmental protection industry.
Innovative application of non-crystalline silica glass powder
Non-crystalline silica glass powder is a specially treated amorphous silicon material. Unlike crystalline silica, it does not release harmful dust during the production process. Therefore, it not only has good physical properties such as strength, hardness and heat resistance, but also is safer during processing and has minimal impact on workers' health. Non-crystalline silica glass powder can replace traditional crystalline silica powder and is widely used in the production of quartz boards and artificial stone countertops.
In the production of quartz plates, adding non-crystalline silica glass powder can greatly improve the comprehensive performance of the product, reduce the content of crystalline silica in the product, and thus reduce the harmful dust that may be generated during the production process. In addition, due to the high stability of non-crystalline silica glass powder, it can effectively avoid crystallization transformation and structural changes, and improve the long-term stability and durability of the quartz plate. Non-crystalline silica glass powder can also make the surface of the quartz plate smoother and more delicate, increase its gloss and transparency, and thus enhance the market appeal of the product.
Positive impact of non-crystalline silica glass powder on human health
The health hazards of crystalline silica have been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several international organizations. Long-term inhalation of crystalline silica dust can cause serious diseases such as silicosis, respiratory inflammation, and lung cancer, which seriously threatens the life and health of workers. In the production process of quartz plates and artificial stone countertops, crystalline silica dust is one of the main sources of health hazards.
As an alternative material, non-crystalline silica glass powder can effectively avoid this health risk. Because it is amorphous, crystalline silica dust will not be released during the production process, reducing harmful substances in the production environment from the source. This not only provides a safer working environment for workers, but also prevents consumers from being exposed to harmful substances when using quartz plates. The introduction of non-crystalline silicon glass powder enables the quartz plate industry to meet the increasingly stringent environmental and health standards around the world while ensuring product quality.
The introduction of the Australian ban is an important sign of the increasing global awareness of environmental protection and health. This ban has had a profound impact on the quartz plate industry, requiring manufacturers to no longer use materials containing crystalline silica for production. This policy has promoted the application and research of new materials such as non-crystalline silicon glass powder, prompting the quartz plate industry to develop in a greener and healthier direction.
The application of non-crystalline silicon glass powder in quartz plates is not only a protection of workers' health, but also a responsible performance for the environment. With the continuous development of technology, the application scope of non-crystalline silicon glass powder will be further expanded in the future. Daixi glass will also strictly abide by this policy and continue to promote the quartz plate industry to develop in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction.