Radon Emission From Granite Countertops

While radon gas and radiation emission levels attributable to granite are not typically high there are simply too many variables to generalize about the potential health risks inside a particular home that has granite countertops.

Radon emission from granite countertops. To find out if your granite or other stone countertops or anything else in the home is emitting radon gas you will need to call 1 800 sos radon 767 7236 to get your home tested. So are granite countertops a real risk. You might even find it in the water. However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home.

Here are some frequently asked questions about radon and the risks associated with granite. Granite as used by the countertop industry is a catch all name for rock countertops. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths in the u s. Regarding the question of radon in granite countertops the epa said some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels.

Radon originating from the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. Granite is mined from the earth where radium and naturally occurring radioactive materials are not uncommon. At this time however epa does not believe. Experts agree that most.

In most cases the noise is produced by two other naturally occurring elements. Certain regions have higher levels. It is prudent to limit your family s exposure to radon whenever possible. The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.

At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation especially the gas radon which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In fact up to 95 of the geiger counter clicks may come from the potassium. People love granite countertops though some may worry that it will emit radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of rocks and natural stones. To reduce the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon epa recommends testing all homes for radon and mitigating high levels regardless of whether the home contains granite countertops.

True granite as well as gneiss and schist are the rocks from which radon can be emitted.