Quartz Radiation

• As of May 2010, the EPA has determined the amount of radon emission is rarely dangerous in granite countertops--which contain quartz. It suggests minimizing exposure to radon, because high amounts can increase risk of developing cancer, especially in smokers. Because of the processing of the stone, most quartz countertops are sealed, and possible emissions are drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated.
  
  

Countertop Coating

• One coating for quartz countertops includes an antimicrobial additive, trademarked under the name Microban. One competitor reported an increase in sales because people believe Microban is a pesticide, but the product is made from triclosan, which is used to disinfect hospitals. Alternately, this might cause bacteria on countertops with Microban to develop a resistance to antimicrobial agents, resulting in resilient strains. A 1998 study from Tufts University showed E. coli developed a resistance to triclosan due to overexposure. This has been neither proven nor disproven in Microban surfaces, though.
  
  

Safety

• The dangers of quartz countertops are easily refuted. The antimicrobial coating is used by only one brand, and it is popular in other industries with few complaints. Possible radiation levels of radon are well within EPA guidelines, and tests are constantly done to ensure safety. You are more likely to have excess radon from the soil around your basement, making your countertops an unlikely health risk.