Granite Counter Tops: A Hidden Danger?
A recent New York Times Article discusses the fact that some granite counter tops have been found to emit radon gas. The article was prompted by an incident that occurred in New Jersey where a family’s summer home was found to have high levels of radon gas in a routine home inspection. Radon Gas is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking, and radon-induced lung cancer is thought to be the 6th leading cause of cancer death overall.
Allegations that granite countertops may emit dangerous levels of radon and radiation have been raised periodically over the past decade, mostly by makers and distributors of competing countertop materials. The Marble Institute of America has said such claims are “ludicrous” because although granite is known to contain uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health threat.
The Environmental Protection Agency has received many calls from concerned homeowners and radon inspectors looking for guidance on this issue. The end result is that there are over 900 different types of granite available in the United States from around the world. While it is still unknown what levels of radon exposure cause cancer, the EPA standard since 20034 pCi/L in indoor air.
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cinplify.com
Jul 30th, 2008Granite Counter Tops: A Hidden Danger?…
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citykin (2 comments.)
Aug 1st, 2008The amounts would be so small, and the solution would be to open the windows. Really the solution to a lot of these air pollution issues is to open the windows. Interesting nonetheless.
Allison Robino
Aug 1st, 2008We understand why people are alarmed by this story, but the Marble Institute of America wants to assure people that the granite most commonly used in U.S. countertops is safe. In fact, the highest radon emissions ever reported in scientific studies are still lower than the EPA’s guidelines. Much of the confusion is being created by inconsistent methodologies used in measuring radon emissions from granite countertops. The MIA is working to help develop testing standards to eliminate the inconsistencies.
Allison Robino, Cohn & Wolfe on behalf of the Marble Institute of America
Granite (1 comments.)
Jan 30th, 2009Very interesting post you wrote. Glad I have stumbled upon it. Cheers!
Real Estate Taxi (110 comments.)
Jun 23rd, 2009WOW i just took a CE class on environmental issues in real estate and there wasn’t anything on the possibly of this
Walt