Sunday, July 18, 2010

Do my granite counters emit dangerous levels of radon?

Recently I have heard this question from at least 2 clients for whom we installed granite counters. Following a story published by The New York Times in July 2008, consumers started to question whether they made a mistake by choosing granite for their homes. They had frightening images of the Three-Mile Kitchen island. The reports were about granite counters that contained radium which can emit radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
While some granite counters have been found to give off trace amounts of radon, very few granite countertops pose a real threat. The EPA has even issued a statement saying that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that granite countertops are a source of radon. EPA lists a safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of air so if you are worried, pick up a home testing kit for about $25. If you see levels above the EPA's limit, call in a specialist.


I have included a few web links that explain this topic in more detail.


http://safegranite.blogspot.com/
http://www.khou.com/images/0805/trifoldradonbrochure_080507.pdf
http://www.marble-institute.com/
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/radontesting_u-akron2008.pdf
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/assessingexposureexecutivesummary.pdf
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS179560+11-Aug-2008+PRN20080811

Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

16 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 27, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MAry BrownFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 26, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    Yikes! I would have never thought about that, how scary. I just called the guys who did my granite countertops in NH to confirm that there is no level of radon in mine.

    ReplyDelete
  4. najamonline4uJuly 22, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    dear its a very nice blog and the info about the granite is really interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  5. masonry services gtaNovember 5, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Is there any assurance or methods to follow to insure that this devices do not contain the said radioactive material? I'm planning to buy one for use by my contractor.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJuly 15, 2014 at 4:03 PM

    I didn't know this and it makes me sad, mainly because I really like granite counter tops. I didn't know that the type of stone could have that affect on it.

    Jim Tracy | http://www.mbabuildinggroup.com/home-renovations.jsp

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 10:59 PM

    That’s really extraordinary. I’ve not experienced whatever thing like that. www.absolutedp.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lisa JonesOctober 19, 2015 at 8:16 PM

    I was impressed with the granite countertops seattle doing the measuring. I was also impressed by the scheduling to have the whole job completed. When they installed the counters they were very respectful even though we were in remodel mode, the rest of the house was a disaster. One of the counters was not complete so they took it back to the shop to add a piece and in 2 days they were back to reinstall. I thought it would take at least another week. Great job! granite countertops seattle

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownNovember 12, 2015 at 10:57 PM

    Quickly this site will indisputably be famous among all blogging people, because of its fastidious articles or reviews. 2 boys construction

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 12, 2015 at 3:41 AM

    It’s my fortune to go to at this blog and realize out my required stuff that is also in the quality. Rose Mount Kitchens

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownMarch 22, 2016 at 12:23 AM

    The superb highly informative blog I’m about to share this with all my contacts. remodeling

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownMarch 24, 2016 at 4:51 AM

    I’m impressed with the special and informative contents that you just offer in such short timing. Read More

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownAugust 1, 2016 at 4:15 AM

    This is a great post; it was very edifying. I look ahead in reading more of your work.

    fire damage port st lucie

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2016 at 11:16 PM

    An unbelievable blog. This blog will indisputably be definitely recommended to my friends as well.

    Nicholas

    ReplyDelete
  15. مروة محمدJune 22, 2017 at 6:04 PM

    شركة نقل اثاث بالمدينة المنورة
    تقوم شركة نقل أثاث بالمدينة المنورة بخدمة نقل الأثاث وتوفير الوقت والجهد على جميع العملاء الذين يعانون فى عملية نقل الأثاث ، عند تلقى طلب العميل سواء بالأتصال عبر الهاتف أو عبر الموقع الألكترونى للشركة يذهب فريق العمل الى المكان ويقوم المتخصصون بفك الأثاث حيث يوجد لدينا متخصصون فى فك غرف النوم والسفرة ولدينا متخصصون فى فك المطابخ ،
    http://ahbabelmadina.com/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%B9%D9%81%D8%B4-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Online TipsMay 9, 2019 at 9:42 AM

    ArmorThane develops, manufactures and distributes top-quality protective coatings and designs and engineers commercial application equipment. A multinational network of dealers spray coatings on everything from bed liners to secondary spill containment.For more information in regards to visit our website.Thank you! bedliner

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)