Most importantly, manufacturers who cut and work with quartz slabs are contracting what is called SILICOSIS. The way quartz slabs are manufactured causes silica particles to escape into the air while being cut and killing people. Please search for this and you'll see lots of items around the world. A lot of legal action has already been initiated here in the United States and, as seen below, in this group Australia has completely banned quartz.
This is why many homeowners are now turning to safer alternatives such as Granite Countertops in Mattapoisett MA. It wouldn't surprise me if in 5 years or so there won't be any more quartz or quartz as it exists today.
