[Huligar]

the natural stone is a kind of resource waste products ,because it is
a like of non-renewable resource ,and generate lots of dusts during fabrication which pollute our environment .

First off, what the heck are you talking about? I am sure it is not the fabrication of natural stone. I think your point is pointless. Most shops fabricate wet which means no dust.
Once the natural stone is install you have a lot of choices due to the fact that natural stone is serviceable and the texture, finish, and color can be change post installation. You also claim that stone is non-renewable, just in case you were not talking with in the context of my statement above. What is the one thing all these man-made stuff brag that they have 95% of? That is right, natural stone. so you see even if we rip out the stone countertops you can find a use for it. by the way that is 95% by weight not volume.

here is a few things I think you should read, if you still have anymore questions after reading it all, please post and we will show you the flaws in your statements.

Going Green Means More Green $$$ in your pocket

By Frederick M. Hueston


Unless you have been living under a rock the last ten years(no pun intended),going green is something you have at least heard of. Now , most of us that run a stone fabrication shop rarely think of going green and protecting the environment. However, this is something that will change in the years to come and its something that every stone shop should be thinking about. Before I discuss how to go green and how it can benefit your shop lets first define what going green means. According to the US Green Building Council green is "Principles that minimize the use of nonrenewable resources and seek to prevent air, water and ground contamination and other activities that degrade the environment." Lets look at this a little closer and how it can not only help planet earth, but how it can put more "green" in your pocket. First, going green is not a requirement or a law at this time. It is strictly voluntary. The following statement is from USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council, which is the website to go to for all the information you will need on green. LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. So, if this is not a requirement why should I care you might ask? The following are several reasons:

Stone is Green. Just think about this for a moment. We are selling mother earth herself. Let us not forget that we are dealing with a natural resource. What better selling point then to advertise and market the fact that you are using a green product. Not only homeowners, but architects and designers both are keen to use green products. One of the latest trends in building design is to use recyclable building materials. Why recycle when you can use a natural green product such as stone.

Competitive Edge- Going green will give you one up on your competitors. What better way to gain the competitive edge then to let your potent ional customers know that you are not only working with a green product but your business is concerned with mother earth.

Save the Planet- What can be more satisfying in knowing that you are helping save the plant.


What can you do to go green in your shop.

Recycle and filter your water- Water recycling and filtering in many towns is now a requirement and will soon be a requirement all over the US. This is especially true in areas where water is scarce. There are several companies that now make recycling and filtration equipment. For a list of companies
Go Wet- It surprises me how many shops today are still cutting, grinding and polishing stone dry. In my book this is a no-no. Dry cutting and grinding releases silica dust in the air which can cause siliceous, a very serious lung disease.
Recycle your stone- See the next section below on what to do with your stone waste.
Build with Green Materials- There are many new material for building that are made from recycled materials such as tires, plastic milk jugs and other materials that are normally just thrown away.
Use Natural Floor Materials- get rid of the carpets and install stone flooring in your showroom and office. This will also help you sell more stone.
Use non toxic chemicals- use water based sealers and cleaners. Try to stay clear of solvent based materials.


What to do with your stone waste

Many fabricators have a big issue with there stone waste. I talked with a fabricator recently that was spending over $2000 per month on disposal of their stone waste. There are several ways to dispose of your waste and even a few where you can generate more green$$$$
Here are a few suggestions:

Have a weekend sale. I know several fabricators who open up there stone yard to the general public and sell there waste for next to nothing. Some even give it away. Take a small ad in the newspaper and advertise it. You can make some extra money by charging the customer to cut the piece or even profile and polish it. I know one fabricator who made over $35000.00 on one weekend with this method.
Tumble it- Tumble stone is big and customers love it. Why not take you waste, cut it into small tiles and tumble it. These tiles can be sold for as much as $20 each.
Give it away to artist and craftspeople- if you are in an area that has a large arts and crafts community, why not give it away. You wont be making any money on it but on the other hand you wont be spending it to get rid of it.
Sidewalks and patios- what about using it in sidewalks and patios. Masons get some big dollars for this type of work and it looks great. Terrazzo companies may also be interested in it for what is knows as palandiana terrazzo.
Chicken Grit- Buy and rock crusher and grind the stone into fine grit and sell it to chicken farmers as chicken grit.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

What a lot of BULL *** and talk about justifying what you sell !!! and how one can make a case for anything !!!! and to see no one else has commented THIS is a NATURAL Stone site after all.


IF the ES are so good why can they not be used externally ...??? they break down is WHY !!!! and to state that a man made product is superior to the ALMIGHTY is pure stupidity. Is Vinyl as good as leather..?? is a Zirconia as good as a diamond ..?? NO WAY !!


Your comment granite HAS to be sealed for a start is WRONG !!! not ALL granites have to be sealed !!! BEFORE posting such CRAP do some REASEARCH !!!!

As to the open pit mining and heavy duty machinerey and output of greenhouse gases..WHAT about the process of producing ES ..??? and the CHEMICALS used..???



YOUR next comment on granite being EXTREMELY porous again do SOME reasearch and look at FACTS on this ONLY stainless steel has a higher rating than granite as for BACTERIAL SAFETY ( I will post the article later from the source as it is in my office not at home where I am typing this from ) but is an OFFICIAL source and gives the test and rating results !!!!!!

You also forget to mention the MDS on ES stones as FIRE HAZARDS and the Chemical fumes omitted..on their OWN MDS it states that a FULLY SELF CONTAINED PRESSURISED suit be worn by fire fighters ...that's about as BAD as it gets !!!! WHY ??? TOXIC FUMES is WHY !!!!!


The TRUTH is you say ..you would not know the meaning of that word I am afraid !!! The TRUTH is GRANITE has been around for centuries where as ES came and went beofre and will again as they USE myths to sell it and MISSTRUTHS, and the public can be conned for a SHORT time but EVENTUALLY see the light.

Throw enough money at anything and you will get people to believe advertising and get some certificates.

TRUTH is granite has been and will be here forever !!!!! ES well try and try again change the name continually MAN MADE, then COMPOSITE and now ENGINEERED..WHY ..???? Because you have to find NEW ways to con the public !!!!


Here is a CHALLENEGE for you and Timothy... Construct 2 rooms one with GRANITE TOPS and one with your ES..I WILL stay in the granite one and Timothy or you in the ES room, we set fire to BOTH tops and neither one of us can leave the room we are in and with NO breathing apparatuses.... OK ..???? put your money where your MOUTH is !!!!


GREEN is recycling !!!!!!! and PLASTICS can not be recycled !!!! stone CAN !!!! simple as that !!!!! and has been for centuries PROOF not just words !!!!

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Can't decide which kitchen counter top surface is the best? It's tough...
You have many options including granite, marble, quartz, solid surface, soapstone, stainless steel, ceramic, wood and laminate and...

Many Myths and marketing messages swirl around the internet often stretching or slanting the truth and presenting conflicting or confusing information.


Granite is the traditional favorite kitchen counter top material for its unique colors and patterns, proven durability and lasting value.
Granite is of course a natural stone that is heat, scratch and stain resistant and nearly impossible to damage with proper care and cleaning that is simple once you know how.


Engineered stone, or quartz counter tops are an excellent product manufactured from 93% quartz (which comes from granite) and a binding resin.

Quartz counter tops are very similar to granite, but marketing efforts confuse the issue

is the most popular brand name for this type of countertop surface. Blending acrylic polymers with stone-derived materials makes for a durable surface.

It's basically rocks and plastic with some notable differences to other kitchen counter top materials.

ES<<<This surface type resists stains pretty well, but it is rather easily scratched by knives or dented by pots and pans and it will be damaged by heat.

The good things are that stains and scratches can be sanded or buffed away, it can be installed without seams and sinks can be molded right into the surface as one piece.

Color choices are limited and conservative, but complimentary to most styles.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Silestone vs. Granite
It's All Marketing.

Despite marketing efforts by makers of engineered quartz stone to try and convince you otherwise, there isn’t any significant difference regarding performance, function, cleaning or price between granite and Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria or other brands of quartz counter tops.


Sealing & Cleaning


True, you don't have to apply a granite sealer to an engineered stone counter top... but this issue has been blown way out of proportion because of . . . marketing.

Applying granite sealer is really a very simple and infrequent "wipe on, wipe off" procedure. It is not a relevant factor when deciding between granite and man-made quartz.


And it doesn't take a closet full of special chemicals to protect your granite and keep its luster as Cambria and other quartz counter top manufacturers suggest on their websites.

Hey, to their credit they are just trying to effectively market their product

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

And it doesn't take a closet full of special chemicals to protect your granite and keep its luster as Cambria and other quartz counter top manufacturers suggest on their websites.

Hey, to their credit they are just trying to effectively market their product.


A little secret about most granite . . .


You could do nothing but wipe it with a sponge for years and it would still look gorgeous.

Minor, easy maintenance performed periodically will, however, give you peace of mind and bring out the best in your granite and natural stone.


And the same can be said about quartz. Care and cleaning is equally easy for either of these counter tops materials.


Not True


You may also read that you must seal granite to maintain it's shiny polish. Not true. Sealing is for stain resistance. Both natural and synthetic stone counter tops are polished by grinding and buffing the surface into a smooth shine.


Bacteria


Silestone also tries to claim their product resists bacteria while granite "harbors" bacteria. This is totally false. Studies prove that both granite and quartz are among the safest and cleanest counter tops materials on the market today, but one isn't superior to the other.



Deciding


Once all this is understood, the decision between granite and Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq or other quartz counter tops comes down to color, pattern and perceived value for most buyers.


Value & Options.


As mentioned Silestone and other quartz counter tops have a limited color palette compared to granite, but a broad range is available to suit many design themes.

Granite enjoys a greater “prestige” due to it’s natural uniqueness and is therefore, of greater value in the minds of most homeowners and buyers.


However, engineered stone products make excellent counter tops materials with qualities as good as granite. So if you find that perfect color and pattern from Silestone or other brands, then you can bet you’ll be very satisfied.

Corian Counter Top vs Granite
Unlike quartz and granite, Corian counter tops and granite do not share similar qualities.

Granite

Granite offers almost unlimited choice in colors and patterns.
Granite is heat, scratch and dent resistent. Truly almost impossible to damage in this way.
Granite is also chemical resistent, but requires sealing for optimum protection.
Granite will have visible seams on most countertops.

Corian

Corian has a limited and some say "boring" color palette, although this is improving.
Corian is somewhat easily dented, damaged by hot pans and scratches from knives.
Corian is also stain-resistent, but does not require sealing. Stains and scratches are much more easily repaired than with granite.
Corian can be molded without seams and if seams are necessary they are virtually invisible. And Corian can include molded, "built-in" sinks while granite cannot.

Which is Better?
When considering all the pro's and con's, most people--myself and most professionals included--agree that granite is the best of all counter tops materials with quartz a close second.



However, many people like Corian and not just for price. Surprisingly, cost is often similar between Corian and granite. So, it really comes down to what properties are most important to you when choosing for your home.

In my experience, the deciding factor is often which surface has the color and pattern you love the best. Good luck and have fun!

back to Kitchen Counter Top Comparison -page 1

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Top 9 Myths About Granite



Granite is Expensive.

Most homeowners think of granite as a beautiful countertop option, but also a very costly one. In fact, the price of granite has dropped significantly in recent years. Today it’s often priced lower than some synthetics, such as SileStone and other brands of engineered stone. According to research conducted by The Freedonia Group, the average cost of granite per square foot has decreased since 1992 from $95 per square foot to $78 per foot in 2002. Considering its durability and natural beauty, granite is perhaps today’s best value among countertop choices.

Granite Will Stain.

This is perhaps one of the more enduring myths surrounding granite. Granite is exceptionally stain resistant, more so than many synthetic materials, including laminates and solid surface plastics such as Corian. For years architects have used granite as an external cladding surface in commercial buildings because of its ability to withstand nature’s elements and retain its original beauty.

Granite Must Be Re-Sealed Regularly.
Another common misconception about granite countertops is that they must be re-sealed on a regular basis (some even suggest annual applications) to prevent them from staining. While it is possible to stain granite, it is extremely difficult to do so. The likelihood of staining granite through normal kitchen use is so low that it hardly deserves a second thought. For those who think otherwise, The Countertop Company recommends asking granite homeowners about their experience. The company maintains a list of about 1000 customers who have purchased granite as long as 9 years ago and suggests those concerned about staining call some of the people on the list and ask about their experience.

The Countertop Company also offers a permanent sealant called the K2 Sealing System™ that comes with a lifetime limited warranty against staining. According to Frank Passarelli, Director of Production for The Countertop Company, countertops sealed with K2 are virtually maintenance free for the life of the countertop; no re-application of the protectant is required. Click here to read more about our proven K2 Sealing System™.

Granite Will Loose Its Shine.
This is a true statement for marble, but not for granite. Granite is an extremely dense substance. Diamond is one of the few materials harder than granite, which is why diamond pads are used to polish it. Normal household activities simply do not introduce sufficient abrasion to the surface of granite to dull it. Rest assured that your granite countertop will maintain it’s brand new shine for decades to come.

Granite Is Difficult to Maintain.
Maintenance for granite is virtually non-existent. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water, as you would do with any countertop surface, is all that’s needed. With The Countertop Company’s permanent K2 Sealing System™, you won’t have to worry about additional sealant applications either.
Heat Will Crack Granite.
Granite is able to withstand exceptionally high levels of heat, allowing you to move dishes straight from your oven to the countertop without a problem. The heat from pots and pans won’t cause any damage to a granite countertop. Meals cooked at over 400°f will scorch synthetic solid surfaces (like Corian), which offer heat resistance only up to that temperature. Granite, on the other had, has no constituent materials capable of burning at under several thousand degrees. In fact, it will not scorch even when exposed to direct flame.
Granite Contains Harmful Radon Gases.
Granite is rock. No one has ever come forward with scientific evidence to suggest granite or any other rocks are harmful to your health. This rather preposterous myth emerged just about the time Dupont introduced Corian about 33 years ago. In actuality, radon gas emissions are more harmful from surfaces such as concrete, cement and gypsum which surround us on a daily basis. The Marble Institute of America reports that “radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth’s crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.” No one today takes credit for starting the rumor, and certainly no one supports it. (By the way, granite contains crystals that some people believe have healing properties.) Most experts would agree, however, that granite isn’t going to cure you or kill you. It’s just a pretty rock that makes a great countertop.
Granite Harbors Bacteria.
Another frequently repeated myth is that granite harbors harmful bacteria; that somehow germs retreat into nooks and crannies in granite, lying in wait to make us sick. Records maintained by The Center for Disease Control confirm that there is absolutely no evidence of granite harboring bacteria or of anyone getting sick from bacteria in granite. Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the Hospitality Industry, give granite a clean bill of health. Granite is no more or less sanitary than any other surface.
Granite Cannot Be Repaired.
Granite can indeed be repaired, it just doesn’t break very easily or very often, so no one’s making a living fixing it. If granite chips or cracks (which can happen if it is struck with a heavy object), it can be refinished or repaired with colored epoxies.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

And the “lie of the day” is: “Granite Harbors Bacteria!”

It is a fact that despite all the wrongdoing carried on by the “salesmen” who, unchecked, run the stone show, and the consequent bad reputation that in many cases they eventually get to (deservedly) “enjoy”, our ancestral attraction to natural stone is too strong an enticement to dissuade consumers from buying it. Hence, no matter what, the demand for natural stone products is expanding.

This fact, of course, bothers some interest groups that see their market shares cut into by the always imitated but never matched beauty of natural stone. Zeroing in the widespread use of granite as a material for kitchen countertops, I’m talking about manufacturers of competing, manmade products, namely the so called “solid surfaces”, which is nothing but a fancy way of saying: PLASTIC. The manufacturers of other materials, such as laminated (“Formica” and such) don’t worry too much: they are quite cheaper than natural stone; therefore they cater to a totally different market sector. When it comes to solid plastic (“Corian” and such), however, their makers do worry, and very much so. In fact their prices are not much cheaper than natural granite and, basically they cater to the same market sector. Since comparing the two materials is not a fair fight, to defend the inherently inferior quality of their products they have to fight dirty. And dirty they fight, by making up vicious lies.

The first lie that came around (we go back, I believe, 7 or 8 years ago) was about the Radon emission of granite. It didn’t last long, though. I mean, even unsophisticated consumers know that radon – inasmuch as definitely dangerous – is a very volatile gas that comes from the earth but doesn’t stick around, nor is it stored to or into anything. In fact, if a household is “infested” by radon, all it’s required to eliminate any possible health hazard, is to keep the basement windows open! Now, even assuming that some granite quarry is sitting on an area rich with radon gas, how much of it can be stored into a slab that goes through the following processing: 1. Quarried off the mountain, in the open air. 2. Hauled on open truck’s beds. 3. Sliced into slabs by huge gang-saws featuring incredible blades that cut into the block at a remarkable speed, but at glacier pace (it may take more than one day to slab a large block), while using rivers of water all along. 4. Calibrated, ground, honed and polished on one side, again using rivers of waters. 5. Stored in open yards or huge warehouses. How much radon can still be present in a slab of granite? No instrument known to man could possibly measure it!

I distinctly remember that when an article (unsigned! …) was published by a certain magazine, which, by a “strange” coincidence, was totally sponsored by the solid plastic industry, warning potential consumers against the risk of exposure to radon gas by having a granite counter top installed in their homes, many scientists were outraged by such a malicious blatant lie and gave the stone industry their total support, producing solid scientific evidence. One of those scientists in particular stated that granite, in fact, could be considered the best insulating material to protect any given environment from radon gas!

That took care of that! But the “salesmen” (no matter in which industry they operate) are a resilient species indeed! They had to come up with something else!

Taking the idea from the fact that many a “granite” do have natural fissures and crevices, they started spreading the word that granite harbors bacteria. Did they ever do any serious homework to support that? Of course not! The only homework that “salesmen” do every day is to study easier ways to “sell it”! Like wildfire the word was spread around, and concerned consumers started worrying that there could be some truth in the rumor. Some of them, before making a decision, inquired with a few stone industry web sites that offer forum-like pages, so that consumers can post gripes and ask questions, which in turn will be answered by stone experts (or alleged experts).

The following posting (bulletin #0 of stoneindustry.com | Stone Business | Business | Small Business | Business Opportunity) was volunteered by a microbiologist and medical technologist. I’m hereby reporting it totally unedited:

I have read several messages in this forum that ask about bacteria with respect to granite countertops Vs "corian"-type countertops. (I am a microbiologist and medical technologist.) There is a web site, THE REDUCTION OF E, which shows the results of a study comparing 6 different countertop materials (laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite) and how much they retained the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). According to this study, the best two materials were stainless steel and GRANITE. Also, keep in mind that from a microbiological perspective, slab is much better than tile for a countertop. Tile is a poor choice for a countertop because of the tendency of grout (if not sealed religiously) to harbor bacteria.
I have also checked the FDA Food Code for 2001 (at FDA/CFSAN FDA 2001 Food Code - Chapter 4: Equipment, Utensils, and Linens) and there is no reference to "corian" type products being specifically endorsed. (If anyone has a specific reference I would like to see it.)
Hope this helps everyone,
--Kim”



Here is also reported the result of the study Kim is making reference to. I took in its entirety from the web site that Kim mentions in her message.



THE REDUCTION OF E. COLI ON VARIOUS COUNTERTOP SURFACES
O. Peter Snyder, Jr., Ph.D.
Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management
March 22, 1999

Introduction
The purpose of this study was to determine the cleanability of six countertop surfaces.

1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite

These materials are commonly used in home kitchen countertop construction. Today, it is understood that many food items that we purchase are highly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, and it is necessary for the home cook to make these foods safe. Often, the first step in food preparation is cutting and manipulating the food to get it ready. It is essential that the countertop be cleaned after raw food has touched the surface. Otherwise, there can be cross-contamination, and the people eating the food prepared on the cross-contaminated surface can become ill. This study identifies the cleanability of these six different countertop materials.

Methods

The countertop materials were supplied by Porter Novelli (1120 Connecticut Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20036-3902). The countertop sources are as follows.

1. Laminate: Wilson Art #4557-60; color-dakota ridge
2. Wood: maple, class 65 woods
3. Tile: Daytona tile, grade 5 (no stock information; made in Italy); ceramic clay tile fired from 9-1,300ºC with a single glaze
4. Concrete: custom sample; no specific information
5. Stainless steel: type 304, number 4 finish
6. Granite: custom sample; Lelajaross, 2-cm-thick sample
The procedure for doing the experiments was as follows.

E. coli ATTC# 25922, a non-pathogenic E. coli, was used as the marker organism. It was grown overnight at 35ºC in a static culture of M broth (Intermational Bioproducts; 14780 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052) to an inoculum of approximately 1,000,000,000 organisms per ml.

An area of 81 square inches of each countertop was inoculated with 1 ml of this culture in M broth. The cleaning procedure was as follows. First, the surface was washed with a dishcloth and 2 liters of detergent (Jefco Yellow Dishsoap; Unisource / Jefco Group, Inc.; 1040 North Halsted Street; Chicago, IL 60622) water in a stainless steel bowl. The surface was then rinsed, using a second bowl with 2,000 ml of clear water and a second dishcloth. The cleaning process entailed rubbing the dishcloth left to right over the surface, rinsing it out, then, rubbing up and down and rinsing it out. The rinse step followed the wash step, using the same left-to-right and up-and-down strokes.

After the surfaces were washed and rinsed, they were swabbed, using a sponge swab over the entire 81 square inches of inoculated surface to find the mean reduction. The sponge swab was cultured using Violet Red Bile agar plates (International Bioproducts) and incubated overnight at 35ºC.

Following the wash and rinse, the surfaces were wiped with a 10% solution of white household vinegar (1 cup 5% vinegar in 9 cups tap water). The surfaces were allowed to dry for 15 minutes. They were then sponge-swabbed over the 81 square inches once more, and cultured, using VRB agar to determine how many E. coli had been destroyed by the vinegar.

Results

The results of the experiment are shown in Table 1 as logarithms of counts per 81 square inches of surface. In the column, "Real number," the logarithms of the average are converted to real numbers. In each experiment, the first column presents the log mean count of the organisms recovered. The second column under each experiment shows the log reduction in bacteria due to the wash-and rinse process or due to the vinegar application. The results are also shown in Figure 1.

The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows.

1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite

For the laminate, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 285 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 500,000 to 1.

For the wood, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 500 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 2,000 to 1.

For the tile, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 900 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 233,000 to 1.

For the concrete, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 2,400 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 30,600 to 1.

For the stainless steel, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 4,000 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 230,000,000 to 1.

For the granite, washing and rinsing reduced the bacterial counts by about 36,000 to 1, as shown in the summary column. When the vinegar was applied, the overall reduction was increased to about 80,000,000 to 1.

Discussion

This experiment has shown that every countertop will have a different cleanability. This experiment was done with new samples. When some of these samples become worn, the reduction will probably not be as significant, except for stainless steel, which should change the least.

While granite showed the greatest reduction in washing, overall, after the vinegar sanitizing, the stainless steel had the greatest reduction.

Conclusion

It is very important in food safety for the designer to consider the countertop material. In this case, the stainless steel counter showed the greatest overall reduction after the wash, rinse, and sanitize processes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 1. Log Reduction Comparison of Non-pathogenic Escherichia coli on Surfaces [CFU / 81 sq. in.] as Affected by Surface Composition, Washing and Rinsing, and Sanitizing with Vinegar



Expt. 1

Expt. 2

Expt. 3

Expt. 4

Expt. 5

Summary



Material
Trmt.
Mean
Rdtn.
Mean
Rdtn.
Mean
Rdtn.
Mean
Rdtn.
Mean
Rdtn.
Log avg. rdtn.
Numerical value
Std. dev.

Innoculum
9.18

9.33

9.34

9.25

9.26

9.27
1,862,087,137
0.07

Laminate
W & R
4.85
4.33
6.38
2.95
6.25
3.09
8.35
0.90
8.25
1.01
2.46
286
1.32


Vinegar
3.65
5.53
3.43
5.90
3.25
6.09
3.84
5.41
3.70
5.56
5.70
498,884
0.25

Wood
W & R
6.38
2.80
6.89
2.44
6.76
2.58
6.62
2.63
6.55
2.71
2.63
429
0.12


Vinegar
5.82
3.36
6.00
3.33
5.98
3.36
6.04
3.21
5.93
3.33
3.32
2,080
0.06

Tile
W & R
6.23
2.95
6.19
3.14
6.41
2.93
6.34
2.91
6.39
2.87
2.96
912
0.09


Vinegar
4.33
4.85
3.28
6.05
2.30
7.04
4.51
4.74
4.60
4.66
5.47
293,765
0.94

Concrete
W & R
5.81
3.37
5.89
3.44
6.29
3.05
5.80
3.45
5.69
3.57
3.38
2,377
0.18


Vinegar
4.28
4.9
4.73
4.60
4.85
4.49
4.92
4.33
5.00
4.26
4.52
32,810
0.23

Granite
W & R
4.86
4.32
4.26
5.07
4.76
4.58
4.78
4.47
4.93
4.33
4.55
35,810
0.28


Vinegar
0
9.18
1.24
8.09
0
9.34
2.88
6.37
2.74
6.52
7.90
79,432,823
1.26

Stain.Stl.
W & R
5.22
3.96
6.28
3.05
5.84
3.5
5.48
3.77
5.55
3.71
3.60
3,963
0.31


Vinegar
0
9.18
1.30
8.03
3.26
6.08
0
9.25
2.15
7.11
7.93
85,113,804
1.22


Figure 1. Rdtn = reduction 0 = <100






The Defense Rests.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

How does granite handle bacteria contamination?

If you're concerned about bacterial contamination of your kitchen countertop, a recent study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in St.Paul, Minnesota, shows that granite cleanability is almost as good as stainless steel.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

So you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with a new countertop, but you're not sure what your options are. Chances are you've heard of granite and marble. After all, they have been used for myriad construction purposes for centuries and you always see marble and granite countertops in luxury homes. But what about Silestone. Isn't it better than granite?
Well, it depends on what you think is better. However, Silestone and other makers of engineered quartz stone countertops, such as Zodiaq and Cambria would have you believe their product is a significant upgrade from granite.

Engineered stone countertops are a man-made product that mixes quartz found in granite with a resin to make a surface with properties almost identical to granite. These companies all make essentially the same product, which is widely regarded as an excellent countertop surface. However, these companies try to make mountains out of molehills in an effort to sell their product and compete against granite which is the most popular surface type.


Myth #1: Sealing granite is a horrible, dirty chore.

This issue has been blown way out of proportion with marketing. It's always listed as a benefit and one would get the impression that granite is defective and must be sealed with over and over to protect it.

True, you don't have to apply a granite sealer to an engineered stone counter top. And hey, that's great, but applying a granite sealer is really a very simple and infrequent "wipe on, wipe off" procedure. It is not a major chore and for all practical purposes it isn't a factor when deciding between granite and man-made quartz.

Also, it doesn't take a closet full of special chemicals to protect your granite and keep its luster as Cambria and other engineered stone counter top manufacturers suggest on their websites. Hey, to their credit they are just trying to effectively market their product.

A little secret about most granite . . .

You could do nothing but wipe it with a sponge for years and it would still look gorgeous. Minor, easy maintenance performed periodically will, however, give you peace of mind and bring out the best in your granite and natural stone.

And the same can be said about quartz. Care and cleaning is equally easy for either surface.

Myth #2: Again with the sealing.

You may also read that you must seal granite to maintain it's shiny polish. Not true. Sealing is for stain resistance. Both natural and synthetic stone counter tops are polished by grinding and buffing the surface into a smooth shine.

Myth #3: Granite harbors bacteria.

Silestone also tries to claim their product resists bacteria while granite "harbors" bacteria. This is totally false. Studies prove that both granite and quartz are among the safest and cleanest surfaces on the market today, but one isn't superior to the other.

So Which Countertop Is Best?

Well, once you remove the hype and you understand that man-made quartz countertops and granite perform equally well and that the care and cleaning of each surface is essentially the same, the decision between granite and Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq or other quartz counter tops usually comes down to color, pattern and perceived value for most buyers.

Color and Value

Granite enjoys a greater "prestige" due to it's natural uniqueness and is therefore, of greater value in the minds of most homeowners and buyers. New granites come on the market all the time from different countries providing hundreds and possibly thousands of different colors and patterns to choose from. Silestone and other engineered stone manufacturers offer 20-50 color choices all of which have basically the same repetitive pebbled appearance. The benefit here is that you never have a problem matching a pattern or color at a seam, which sometimes is a problem with granite. Of course, you may end up with the exact same countertop as your neighbor, which won't happen with granite as each slab is unique.

So, whether you choose engineered stone or granite you will get an excellent countertop surface. Just don't listen to all the marketing hype and pick your product based on what color and pattern you like best.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Today's consumer is offered a wide range of surfacing materials for use in countertop applications. Once in service, these countertop surfaces will be exposed to a variety of contaminative substances. The key safety issue to the consumer is the degree of cleanability of the surface material, that is, how easily any contaminants can be removed using normal and reasonable cleaning practices.

The following study by Dr. O. Peter Snyder of the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management Hospitality Institute of Technology & Management: food safety and HACCP training and certification provider used E. coli bacteria as its contaminating agent. The findings of the report show significant cleanability advantages of natural granite countertops over almost all other commonly found countertop surface materials.

The study included 6 countertop surfaces which were washed and rinsed after exposure to the bacteria. They were later cleaned with a 10% solution of white household vinegar (1 part 5% vinegar, 9 parts water). Bacteria counts were taken after both cleaning methods.

Granite Ranked 1st in cleanability. After washing and rinsing, the granite tops provided the greatest reduction in bacteria counts of all the countertop materials tested:

Granite: 36,000 to 1
Stainless Steel: 4,000 to 1
Concrete: 2,400 to 1
Tile: 900 to 1
Wood: 500 to 1
Plastic Laminate: 285 to 1


When Dilute Vinegar Solution Used:
Granite 2nd Only to Stainless Steel

Counts taken after the application of the dilute vinegar solution showed the granite having a bacteria count reduction second only to stainless steel, but 160 times better than the next closest material:

Stainless Steel: 230,000,000 to 1
Granite: 80,000,000 to 1
Plastic Laminate: 500,000 to 1
Tile: 233,000 to 1
Concrete: 30,600 to 1
Wood: 2,000 to 1

This technical bulletin contains general guidelines. The Marble Institute of America and its Member companies are not responsible for any use or misuse that causes damage of any kind, including loss of rights, materials, and personal injury alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this document.

Caution: The reader is cautioned that although vinegar was used as a disinfectant for the purpose of this test, there are some granite species that contain trace mineral groups which could be attacked by exposure to acidic solutions. Some sealers, impregnators, or other agents applied to the stone may also be subject to attack or discoloration from mild acids. Do not use vinegar as a cleaning agent without consulting your stone supplier as to the mineralogy of your particular granite as well as the compatibility of any sealer or impregnator that may have been applied to the stone. Vinegar should never be used on calcareous stones such as marble, limestone, or travertine.


We have reprinted Dr. Snyder's report in its entirety herein for your review.


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THE REDUCTION OF E. COLI ON VARIOUS COUNTERTOP SURFACES
O. Peter Snyder, Jr., Ph.D.
Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management
March 22, 1999

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Q. I've heard that granite breeds bacteria, is that true?

A. We think that rumor was started by the "solid surface" manufacturers. Granite does not generate or "breed" any more or any less bacteria than your average countertop surface.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Granite countertops and "Green Building"


How do granite countertops fit into “Green Building”?

That’s a good question because there is a huge movement for “Green Building” going on in this country right now. Let’s start by first defining what “Green Building” is. “The Green Building Resource Guide defines green building materials and products as having at least one of the following characteristics: nontoxic; recycled content; resource efficient; long life cycle; or, environmentally conscious.” 1 Basically green building is a way to use our resources efficiently, while providing healthier living environments and work spaces.
Building and remodeling with granite countertops is literally a natural choice. Granite is quarried from the earth’s crust and is considered the oldest building material. Granite countertops not only have natural beauty and characteristics, but will last more than a lifetime. Once installed, they become a permanent fixture and will add elegance and attractiveness to any home. Granite countertops are fabricated with diamond bit tools and equipment that is water-fed. Scrap pieces are generally crushed and recycled to be used again in building roads. Granite countertops also require little maintenance and care is as easy as washing with hot, soapy water and a washcloth. So to answer your question, because granite countertops are non-toxic and last more than a lifetime, they fit quite well in a “green building”.
Sources: 1Green Building Resource Guide Green Building Questions and Answers



Truth In Advertising-Buyer Beware
I recently read an article in a building industry publication that focused on a particular business that specialized in installing one of the engineered stones available on the market today. Actually it was a paid advertisement, but did not state that. It looked like an article complete with photo’s, but listed no author. This type of advertising has become very popular these days for businesses to attempt to toot their own horn without naming sources or putting their own name on it. The advertisement basically focused on how great they were and how great the engineered stone they represent is. It also led the reader to believe that granite stains and chips easily and uses sealers that are defective and cause scratching. I was shocked and frankly appalled that a publication would allow a business to print such garbage. What ever happened to checking your sources and truth in advertising?
Read full article


Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Does granite scratch easily?
A. No. Granite is one of the hardest materials available. It is very difficult to scratch granite. Everyday use of knives will not scratch your countertops. Cutting directly on your granite will however, dull your knives.

Q. Can hot pots and pans be set on granite?
A. Yes. Granite is heat resistant for everyday kitchen needs. Setting hot pots and bake-ware on your granite countertops will not burn them.

Q. Does granite harbor bacteria?
A. The Center for Disease Control, CDC, does not have any records of people becoming sick from bacteria in granite. Both the food industry and medical industry continue to use granite in many various applications.

Q. Will mold/mildew grow on my granite?
A. Mold and mildew growth is purely a cleanliness issue. Your granite countertops should be cleaned on a regular basis, like any other countertop.

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Why granite?
Granite is one of the hardest stones available, having a rating of 7 on the Mohr's Hardness Scale, putting it just behind the diamond. Granite is the premium stone in the housing industry. It is highly sought after due to its amazing appearance with the different minerals, colors, striations, deposits and veins. The polish created by diamond polishers gives it a glass-like finish which highlights its beauty and depth of color. Granite is nearly impossible to scratch, easy to clean, stain and heat resistant and can easily add tremendous resale value to your home.

What benefits does engineered stone offer that granite does not?
None; in spite of the misconceptions or falsehoods the engineered stone industry attempts to create about granite, the bottom line is nothing is better than granite when it comes to counter tops! The fact that engineered stone does not have to be sealed has nothing to do with staining and more to do with chemicals that will damage engineered stone! True, granite can get stained, but it's not a change of color, merely something that has gotten into the pores of the stone. By simply using soap and water or an absorbent chemical, the stain is removed. The reality is that when engineered stone gets stained, it is ruined. But don't take our word for it, simply read their warranty and you will see that it is not warranted against staining! Furthermore, it is not even warranted against changes in color due to sunlight (UV rays)!


Does granite hold or grow bacteria?
Another misconception about granite is that it is difficult to clean. The reality is that granite is not only nearly identical to stainless steel when it comes to sanitation! Research has shown that due to its glass-like finish that granite is the least likely of all available counter top materials to hold bacteria! In other words, you're safer with granite or stainless steel than any other products!

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

ANY more required ??? If everyone did what I do in my showroom we would not have this problem with the SPIN DOCTORS.


I convert 99% of clients that come into MY showroom with FACTS and TRUTHS...SHOW them seeing is believing...I have ALL the ES samples and NATURALLY Granite..I then ask them to tell me what they have been told and hears by the SPIND DOCTORS and then state actions speak louder than words and then give the clients a SHARPIE and ask THEM to marl ALL of the samples and THEN try to remove the SHARPIE...LMAO..point made ..!!!


Then I have a samll hand held gas bottle ( camping type ) and ask the clients to put the FALME on ALL samples...lmao... again point made !!!!


The clients then ASkK ME why do the others FIB..??? tell FURPHIES..??? my comment is that some people will say most anything to make a sale, and that I have said LITTLE but let the seeing is believing do it for me and for the CLIENT decide..tooooo EASY ...TELL THE TRUTH and you can not go wrong ..!!!! I have taught all my sales staff that very thing, they are all nervous when starting out in granite sales so I just say TELL THE TRUTH and you wil do just fine as people WANT the TRUTH more than anything...

Originally Posted by realgranitetops

Who is at fault here ...?? US the granite industry, just sitting back and watching this happen and thinking some one else will do it...I blame the BIGGER granite companies, for years they have made the BIG profits yet put little back into advertising the advantages of THEIR product until it is too late !!!


Now I am not pointing the finger at the little Granite fabrication shops but the BIG international granite companies in ITALY, SWEEDEN, INDIA, USA, NORWAY, AUSTRALIA etc etc and the Granite industry Machinery makers, they have had a good few decades making $$$$$$ and now sit and watch.


Do some united advertising as the ES companies do !!!!!!! the Du-Ponts of the world and such, BUT we ALL can do our little bit as well as I do in my showroom !!!


United we stand !!!! alone we will fall !!!