Natural Stone Countertops And Radon

Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation.

Natural stone countertops and radon.

Some granite countertops have been found to give off trace amounts of radon and reporters cited a few kitchens with radon levels as high as 25 times the epa s safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of. In considering the public s health we ask an important question how much do natural stone countertops contribute to the amount of radon inside u s. Granite countertops and radon gas science and technical committee of the american. The radon scare has been an on and off hot subject of contention for some time.

As well most countertops that are called quartz are actually made of resins glass and quartz that have been sealed during the manufacturing of the. Homeowners with quartz countertops may or may not be aware of what radon is and how it can affect specific areas of a home but many new or older homes are often tested for it through a home inspector or individual home radon test kits to help alleviate the worries associated with it. While natural rocks such as granite may emit radiation and radon gas the levels attributable to such sources are not typically high. Natural quartz can emit trace amounts of radon.

These amounts are minimal and well within the maximum radon levels in a home. April 2014 in order to extract the beautiful granite rock that adorns so many countertops floors and building facades in the united states skilled quarry workers must saw or blast the raw granite into blocks to remove it from the quarry location for further fabrication. Colorless radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium in soil rock and water. Fact all natural products especially stone minerals and sand contain trace amounts of some radioactive elements called norms naturally occurring radioactive mineral that can produce measurable amounts of radiation and sometimes radon gas.

Radon exposure no concern to quarry workers. Homes in comparison to those benchmarks. Given that soil and rock slowly and naturally emit radon gas some sought. Natural stone is a popular choice for countertops in homes throughout the united states.

The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. To reduce the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon epa recommends testing all homes for radon regardless of whether the home contains granite countertops. Call 1 800 sos radon 767 7236 or purchase do it yourself home radon test kits at home store retail locations or online.