It appears to received relatively little press, but manufactured stone (quartz) countertops were recently banned in Australia. (
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...H9PWx8drs5LYMg). The people working this material can be exposed to extremely dangerous dust, which can destroy the lungs in a relatively short period of time, resulting in lung transplantation or even death. California recently put in place rules to protect workers in this industry, which generally involves small shops and often employees who do not speak English or realize the risks. There are a number of established reports of workers dying in the United States in this industry, typically at a young age. Natural stone is a little less dangerous, but still can cause the same health effects. I plan to use less fashionable materials in my upcoming remodel project. It is not worth killing somebody for a pretty kitchen.