There is currently some concern about the use of granite counter-tops in kitchens and other areas. Granite comes in hundreds of varieties, and a few have been found to emit measurable amounts of Radon gas into the air. Homeowners who have bought granite counters, or who may be considering doing so have been alarmed by Radon reports coming from a few isolated reports. Here are some facts as we understand it now.
The Marble Institute of America has sponsored a study of the Radon emitted by a number of granite species.
www.MarbleiInstitute.com
The Marble Institute has funded an independent study: “Radon Testing of Various Countertop Materials; Final Report” Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Akron, OH 44325.
The Health Physics Society web-site has a number of articles on granite. Go to
www.HPS.com and enter “Granite” in the search box.
The U.S. EPA has information on granite countertops:
Search for “Granite.”
The NJ DEP web-site also has a section dealing with granite:
Our advice, which is the same as these government agencies, is that if you already have granite countertops installed, it is not possible to measure their Radon emission accurately. Your best step is to do a careful retest of the home’s air. We recommend one test in the kitchen, another placed in another first floor room separated from the kitchen, and a third test in the basement. Call us for advice if the home does not have a basement.