Granite and Radon Gas -- Separating the Myth from Fact
Homeowners reading ill-informed articles and news reports that granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radon gas, which leads to lung cancer, are bound to shutter in fear thinking they’ve turned their homes into Three-Mile Island or Chernobyl.
With its vast array of color selections, decorative appearance and durability, granite is a popular choice for long-lasting countertops and floor tiles. Unfortunately, the stone’s popularity has led some manufacturers of competing products promoting the myth of granite giving off dangerous amounts of radon gas in their advertisements.
We at AA Marble & Granite are more than happy to help sort out the facts from the myths. The bottom-line …show more content…
The Marble Institute of America notes, “There are many sources of radiation in a typical home. Common items such as concrete blocks, televisions, smoke detectors — and even Brazil nuts, bananas and potatoes release measureable levels of radiation. The fact is radiation and radon levels from other sources in the home are far more significant than what may be measured from granite countertops.”
The Environmental Protection Agency states that the principal source of radon comes from the soil around and under the home, as well as certain types of stones found under it, with the vast majority of radon dissipating into the atmosphere. However, at times radon can invade into the basement and prolonged exposure to the gas is dangerous. Installing radon-venting equipment quickly solves the issue.
Granite has been used in an around homes and public spaces for thousands of years and scientists have studied the relationship of the radon gas and granite for many years. Research data concludes granite is safe to use in your home and does not contribute significant levels of radon …show more content…
The Marble Institute of American notes, “All rocks have a small amount of radioactivity in them due to the presence of minerals containing the radioactive elements uranium, thorium and potassium. Because granite typically contains more of these elements than most other rocks, it will be more radioactive than a slate or marble, for instance.”
The EPA also notes that porous stones such as sandstone are likely to emit more radon than a non-porous stone such as granite. They state, “It’s important to know that radon originating in the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. Also, any radon from granite countertops in kitchens or bathrooms is likely to be diluted in the typical home since those rooms are usually well ventilated.”
All these scientific studies conclude that having marble in your house is perfectly safe. If you have been considering upgrading to granite, don’t let the fear of radon gas stop you one moment
Homeowners reading ill-informed articles and news reports that granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radon gas, which leads to lung cancer, are bound to shutter in fear thinking they’ve turned their homes into Three-Mile Island or Chernobyl.
With its vast array of color selections, decorative appearance and durability, granite is a popular choice for long-lasting countertops and floor tiles. Unfortunately, the stone’s popularity has led some manufacturers of competing products promoting the myth of granite giving off dangerous amounts of radon gas in their advertisements.
We at AA Marble & Granite are more than happy to help sort out the facts from the myths. The bottom-line …show more content…
The Marble Institute of America notes, “There are many sources of radiation in a typical home. Common items such as concrete blocks, televisions, smoke detectors — and even Brazil nuts, bananas and potatoes release measureable levels of radiation. The fact is radiation and radon levels from other sources in the home are far more significant than what may be measured from granite countertops.”
The Environmental Protection Agency states that the principal source of radon comes from the soil around and under the home, as well as certain types of stones found under it, with the vast majority of radon dissipating into the atmosphere. However, at times radon can invade into the basement and prolonged exposure to the gas is dangerous. Installing radon-venting equipment quickly solves the issue.
Granite has been used in an around homes and public spaces for thousands of years and scientists have studied the relationship of the radon gas and granite for many years. Research data concludes granite is safe to use in your home and does not contribute significant levels of radon …show more content…
The Marble Institute of American notes, “All rocks have a small amount of radioactivity in them due to the presence of minerals containing the radioactive elements uranium, thorium and potassium. Because granite typically contains more of these elements than most other rocks, it will be more radioactive than a slate or marble, for instance.”
The EPA also notes that porous stones such as sandstone are likely to emit more radon than a non-porous stone such as granite. They state, “It’s important to know that radon originating in the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. Also, any radon from granite countertops in kitchens or bathrooms is likely to be diluted in the typical home since those rooms are usually well ventilated.”
All these scientific studies conclude that having marble in your house is perfectly safe. If you have been considering upgrading to granite, don’t let the fear of radon gas stop you one moment