What’s In Your Countertop?
As someone who was just shopping for a new granite countertop, this bit of news disturbs me.
Apparently,there are an increasing number of reports of granite emitting high levels of radon and radiation. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and is considered especially dangerous to smokers, whose lungs are already compromised. Children and developing fetuses are vulnerable to radiation, which can cause other forms of cancer.
Many homeowners are now having their countertops tested, because even thought the risk may be small why do you want to add any additional risk to your family?
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.
Indeed, health physicists and radiation experts agree that most granite countertops emit radiation and radon at extremely low levels. They say these emissions are insignificant compared with so-called background radiation that is constantly raining down from outer space or seeping up from the earth’s crust, not to mention emanating from manmade sources like X-rays, luminous watches and smoke detectors.
But in one of the homes profiled in the NYTimes article, the reading in the kitchen where the granite was located was 100 picocuries per liter. The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air. So clearly the kitchen was well over the acceptable limit. The homeowner ended up having the counter torn out and replaced with a different type of granite, which was tested prior to installation.
You can contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org) to find a technician who is certified to determine whether radon or radiation is emitting from your granite. Testing costs between $100 and $300.
According to an expert talking to cbs news, some granite countertop colors are more potentially troublesome than others: “We’re seeing higher results in reds, pinks, purples. However, you’ve got to test them all.”
It might just be more prudent to go with a different type of counter top. Tile, anyone?
If you would like to read more about radon and radiation in the home, Build Clean has a wealth of info for you.
