Is Granite Can Cause Cancer

But can a granite countertop emit enough radiation to pose a health risk.

Is granite can cause cancer.

On one side is that dangerously high levels have been found in some countertops while arguments on the other claim that the amount of radon emitted is very small relative to radon that may occur in homes otherwise. Radon can be found in soil rock air and even water. Radon gas is a radioactive element and is a leading cause for lung cancer. Radon is a cancer causing natural radioactive gas that you can t see smell or taste according to the environmental protection agency.

When materials such as granite are mined from the earth they naturally contain these radioactive elements and may occasionally emit radon gas. Whether granite countertops could cause lung cancer due to the emission of radon gas has been a matter of some debate. Granite countertops are prized for their durability and beautiful appearance but they can give off radon gas that could potentially be higher than the levels considered safe. Granite is an increasingly popular choice for countertops due to its classy yet natural look as well as its durability.

Not really says mike brennan a radiation health physicist with the washington state department of health in olympia. And radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. After all radiation has the potential to cause cancer and birth defects. Rutland herald granite dust may 28 2000 by john dillon staff writer the federal government has concluded that the tiny crystalline rock particles found in granite dust can cause lung cancer a finding that may lead to stricter regulation of vermont s stone industry.

Concern has been raised over the levels of radon gas emitted by granite and its potential harm to homeowners with. A substance that causes cancer or helps cancer grow is called a carcinogen the american cancer society looks to these organizations to evaluate the risks based on evidence from laboratory animal and human. Radon is a cancer causing natural radioactive gas that you can t see smell or taste the environmental. At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation especially the gas radon which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Several national and international agencies study different substances in the environment to determine if they can cause cancer. Granite countertops emit an insignificant amount of radon gas that is not high enough to cause cancer or any other serious health issues. This allegation has been mostly made by competing countertop material distributors.