Radon in your kitchen? In your granite countertops? Before you opt to remove them, know the facts:
Demand for granite countertops in residential homes has increased 5% annually since 2008. But recent media reports have caused some stir with rumors that granite used in some homes could emit radon. Some of the material is reported to also contain high levels of uranium. The CBS Early Morning Show reported that radioactivity might be lurking inside homeowners' granite countertops, but the chances were one in a million. There are approximately 1,600 varieties of granite, from 64 countries around the world, that are sold for use in U.S. homes.
In July 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that there was no credible evidence existing to suggest that granite countertops pose any safety threat. "The EPA has no reliable data to conclude that the type of granite used in countertops is significantly increasing radon levels in homes," the agency reported
Radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth's crust. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air. It's true that granite and other natural stones may contain small traces of radon naturally. Though these materials do no emit enough radon to be be a threat in the home. In fact, building materials such as concrete, cement and gypsum should be of greater concern.
Other sources report that these radioactive allegations have risen periodically over the past decade, mostly by makers and distributors of competing countertop materials. Some homeowners have gone as far as tearing out their granite counters. But did they test to see if radon is being emitted first? If you have granite countertops in your home, consider testing for radon emission. Inexpensive at-home test kits are easy to purchase and use. A radon test with your local Inspections Unlimited professional is also budget-friendly and effective.
Marble manufactures stand by the fact that radon in granite is not dangerous. Indeed, health physicists and radiation experts agree that most granite countertops emit radiation and radon at extremely low levels, and the levels are insignificant compared to background radiation from space, the earth's crust, x-rays, luminous watches and smoke detectors. The most important contributor to indoor radon comes from soil adjacent to the home's foundation. It comes in through cracks or gaps in the house or basement floors and walls.
Any home inspector will tell you there is no way to avoid radiation exposure completely. It is not possible to radon proof your house, but it is possible to reduce levels through sealing the foundation, routine testing, and other cost-effective techniques. Ask your local IU inspector about radon-reducing options during your next home inspection.
Original Article submitted by Brian Smith.
