The Short Answer

No. Quartz has not been banned in the UK. In May 2026 the Health and Safety Executive published guidance on engineered stone and it is running an inspection programme across the sector. That means guidance and inspections. It does not mean quartz worktops can no longer be made or sold or fitted.

This page reflects the position at the time of writing in October 2026. The subject is in the news and details may develop so it is always worth checking the latest information from HSE. Below we explain why people ask the question and what the guidance and inspections are really about.

Ban or Guidance and Inspections

The two things are easy to confuse so the table below sets out the position in plain terms.

In short the attention is on how engineered stone is worked rather than on stopping people from choosing it. The guidance and the inspections both centre on protecting the people who cut and finish the material.

Why People Ask This Question

Headlines about silica dust and silicosis have made many homeowners wonder whether quartz is still a sensible choice. Some other countries have gone further than the UK and introduced bans on engineered stone. Australia is the best known example. It is natural to ask whether the UK will follow.

At the time of writing the UK approach is built around guidance and inspections. HSE has focused on how fabricators work and has been clear that its guidance does not introduce a new prohibition. Calls for stronger measures continue in the industry so the picture may change. For now the answer to the question in the title is no.

Common Misunderstandings

Does the guidance mean quartz worktops are now illegal?

No. Quartz has not been banned and the guidance does not make quartz worktops illegal to buy or own or fit. It sets out what good dust control looks like for the businesses that work with engineered stone.

Do I need to replace my existing quartz worktop?

Nothing in the guidance says so. The concern relates to dust created during cutting and grinding and polishing rather than to a finished worktop in daily use.

Is low silica the same as banned or unsafe quartz?

No. Low and zero silica worktops are simply another option. They can offer an alternative to conventional quartz surfaces with a similar appearance and useful performance.

What the Guidance and Inspections Are About

Crystalline silica in quartz and stone worktops can create hazardous dust during cutting and grinding and polishing. Breathing in this dust can cause silicosis and other serious lung diseases. HSE published its guidance to make clear what good control of that dust looks like for businesses that work with engineered stone. The inspection programme then checks how fabricators work in practice.

The emphasis is on practical controls. HSE has said that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable and the guidance points businesses toward water suppression and suitable respiratory protection. It also encourages businesses to consider engineered stone with a lower silica content. For a fuller walk through read HSE Engineered Stone Guidance Explained.

Could This Change

It is fair to say the picture is still developing. Engineered stone is a live topic and opinions differ on how far regulation should go. Some people in the industry would like stronger measures while others prefer to focus on better practice and training. We will keep our guide up to date as things develop but for the latest official position HSE is the best source.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you already have a quartz worktop nothing about the guidance means you need to remove it. The concern relates to dust created when stone is cut and ground and finished so the people most affected are fabricators and installers. Our guide to Is Quartz Safe in Your Kitchen explains this in more detail and includes simple care advice for a fitted worktop.

If you are planning a new kitchen the practical step is to ask good questions. Ask how your fabricator controls dust. Ask what the surface is made from and how its crystalline silica content is described. Ask whether a low or zero silica option would suit you. Our guide to Choosing a Safe Worktop Fabricator sets out what to look for.

Quartz and the Lower Silica Alternatives

Quartz is still a popular and established surface. Low silica worktops are engineered from minerals and recycled materials with binders and a reduced amount of crystalline silica. They can offer an alternative to conventional quartz surfaces with a similar appearance and useful performance. Zero and low silica worktops can reduce the silica related risk for fabricators and installers but safe dust control practices are still essential for every material.

To compare the options in detail read Low Silica Worktops vs Quartz and Low Silica vs Zero Silica Worktops.

For every article in the series our Low Silica Worktops Guide brings the whole subject together in one place.

Our Position at Precious Marble

We welcome the attention on stone dust because it points in the same direction as our own commitment. We are working toward a factory environment with zero crystalline silica exposure. That is a goal we are working toward rather than a claim that we have already reached it. We are reviewing how we work and strengthening the steps we take to reduce dust exposure and we are committed to offering products identified as low or zero in crystalline silica content so customers can make informed choices.

You can read the full statement in Our Commitment to a Safer Workplace.

Where to Go Next

If you would like quick answers to common questions our Low and Zero Silica Worktops FAQs page is a good place to start. To learn what these surfaces are made from read What Are Low Silica Worktops.

Speak to the Precious Marble Team

If you have heard the headlines and want a straight answer we are happy to help. Visit our Elstow showroom to see the surfaces and talk to our team about quartz and the low and zero silica alternatives. You can also see the full range on our Low and Zero Silica Worktops page.

To ask a question or arrange a quote, call our team on 01234 348 590 or request a quote online. We will talk you through the options and answer anything you would like to know before you decide.