The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
Is there radiation in granite countertops.
Granite has grown in popularity as building materials particularly for kitchen countertops because they are not only beautiful but also functional.
The lowdown on granite radiation.
It does pay to find out for sure if there are harmful levels of radioactive elements in your granite countertops.
After all there are always exceptions to the rule.
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.
Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation.
Based on significant research from granite s around the world it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials.
Granite s durability and decorative appearance make it a popular building material in homes and buildings.
Granite countertops and radon gas science and technical committee of the american association of radon scientists and technologists aarst august 4 2008 2 pages.
It is not likely that the radiation coming from the granite kitchen counters will increase the radiation doses above the normal natural background levels.
The question is whether they do so at levels that can impact cancer risk.
However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home.
Over the past couple of decades however there have been reports that some granite countertops may be emitting dangerous amounts of radiation.
People love granite countertops though some may worry that it will emit radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of rocks and natural stones.
You can identify the levels presence and concentration of the radioactive elements found in your granite countertops.
Granite countertops and radiation a variety of materials may be used to make countertops including artificial materials quartz marble slate and granite.
Identify the levels of radiation in granite countertops.
Radiation from granite countertops.
Assuming a relatively tight house with an air change rate of 0 5 per hour h 1 and using average measured dose rates from granite countertop slabs the estimated radon concentration in kitchen air would be.
Here are some frequently asked questions about radon and the risks associated with granite.