Granite has been quite popular and cost effective option for kitchen countertops. Off late, there has been an inherent confusion about the existing radiation levels in natural granite being used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity , floor tiles etc.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency website citing " Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste, its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in America, and claims about 20,000 lives annually."

While the fact is radiation is present in the air, in the water, in the soil and also in the sun rays which is of natural occurrence, whilst there is human made radiation like x-rays, building materials and cigarette smoke. The cause of alarm is when the radon level is 4 pCi/L (pico curies per litre) or more, but the radiation or radon emission from granite products are just small fractional value of the levels at which it poses health hazard. Moreover the amount of radiation in external air and excessive cigarette smoke is much higher than the defined safety level. Granite by nature is radioactive, but one cannot definitely say whether it is a material which should not be used at all for home applications. The issue of potential radon threat from granite has resurfaced many a time triggered by manufacturers of substitute materials for kitchen countertops. Study done on 13 most popular granites used for kitchen countertops in the US by MIA’s independent research revealed that the greatest amount of radon emissions found was 0.27pCi/L while emission from others was almost immeasurable.

The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommends that all homes be tested by self or by a hired a professional for the radon emission from granite. One can get the safety kits from the National Safety Council or from some of the home improvement stores. This surely is a step ahead in the right direction for those interested in using granite in application such as kitchen, vanity, fireplaces and outside BBQ. Leaving aside all the baseless rumors, MIA documents and articles have proved as granite to be a healthy material for home applications.

About the Author

Marble City is the leading granite countertops installation company and largest importer of granite slabs in the Bay Area, California.

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