GREENGUARD Certification, NSF Certification and Microban Make Silestone a Cleaner, Safer Countertop

    Houston, January 2007--Leading the movement towards cleaner, safer surfacing materials, Silestone Quartz has been awarded GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. This Certification means that Silestone Quartz emits low-to-no-emissions (off gassing) of toxic chemicals into the indoor environment. Incorporating products such as Silestone Quartz can help reduce the level of harmful indoor air pollutants in your home. In addition to GREENGUARD Certification, Silestone Quartz is the only countertop with built-in Microban protection and NSF 51 Certification for food preparation areas, truly making Silestone Quartz a cleaner, safer countertop.

    Microban makes Silestone a cleaner, safer countertop

    What does GREENGUARD mean to Silestone?
    Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency show that indoor air pollution can be more than 100 times higher than outdoor pollution levels. As homes become more energy-efficient, contaminants tend to remain trapped within your living space instead of being circulated into the outdoor environment. "We spend most of our lives indoors, so it is important to choose building materials such as Silestone Quartz that do not promote the off-gassing of harmful contaminants into the air we breathe," said Travis Dupre, vice president of marketing, Cosentino N.A. "Silestone Quartz is a cleaner, safer product for your home."

    Some of the worst indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, cooking particles and nitrogen oxides. These harmful compounds can contribute to sick-building syndrome, a condition characterized by dizziness, nausea and related illnesses. Choosing environmentally friendly products such as Silestone® Quartz can greatly reduce the level of toxins and create a safer indoor environment.

    Silestone Quartz and NSF Certification
    In addition to GREENGUARD Certification, Silestone Quartz products are Certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for use in areas where food preparation could take place.

    Exclusive Microban® Protection
    Silestone Quartz is the only countertop with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection. Microban safely deters the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew for cleaner, fresher countertops 24/7 for the life of the product. Microban protection does not protect users from foodborne illnesses and is not a substitute for normal cleaning practices.

    The unique combination of GREENGUARD Certification, NSF Certification and built-in Microban protection make Silestone Quartz a cleaner, safer surface ideal for all interior applications and preferred by educated homeowners and professionals in the building and design industries.

    About the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
    The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute™ (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI's mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. A GEI Advisory Board consisting of independent volunteers, who are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality, public and environmental health, building design and construction, and public policy, provides guidance and leadership to GE.

    NSF
    The NSF Mark can be found on millions of consumer, commercial, and industrial products today. Products evaluated and certified by NSF International include bottled water, food equipment, home water treatment products, home appliances, plumbing and faucets, and even pool and spa components. The NSF Mark is your assurance that the product has been tested by one of the most respected independent certification companies in existence today, NSF International.

    About Cosentino®
    Cosentino, a global natural stone giant, began harvesting precious stones from the finest quarries in Europe close to a century ago. Today, Cosentino has combined its commitment to providing the highest quality in natural quartz with a dedication to innovation and technology. This combination results in unequaled manufacturing capacity, a reliable network of dedicated distributors and fashion- forward designs. Additional information about Cosentino may be found at www.cosentino.com.

    About Silestone®
    The leading brand in quartz surfacing, Silestone Quartz was created in Spain by Cosentino, global natural stone giant. Silestone Quartz combines sophisticated style with sophisticated functionality through its on-trend color and texture offerings and its unique blend of physical attributes that make it a cleaner, safer surface. Its palette consists of more than 50 colors and two distinct textures. Silestone Quartz is available coast-to-coast in North America through a mature network of distributors, Certified Installers and more than 4,500 retailers in addition to being online at e-counters.com. Additional information about Silestone Quartz is available by calling 800-291-1311 or by visiting www.silestoneusa.com.

    Cosentino North America
    13124 Trinity Drive
    Stafford, TX 77477
    p 281.494.7277
    www.silestone.com

    Contact:
    Gina Covell
    SenSa™ by Cosentino
    281-660-2329
    gcovell@candc-na.com