Granite Countertops: NOT Silent Killers

Media stories that granite countertops can emit dangerous radiation have sparked panic among consumers. But such fears are baseless, experts say.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Granite
• Radiation
• Earth
• Science

[indianajoanne]

BTW, how is this granite mined? With explosives? What are the content/chemicals involved?

[indianajoanne]

Who paid for the studies and the experts?

The EPA is still undergoing their studies and looking into the matter. Why is stone not allowed in many commercial food preparation areas by local health departments and why is it not even allowed on kitchen countertops in some parts?

[fredf88]

When you test your counter, be sure to to test the WHOLE counter, It is likely that when there is RADON in the counter its in one or two places in a 6" radius

[sceja56]

Every where I have read it clearly admits that Granite gives off radiation/Radon. I have just stopped my order, planned to get my kitchen (Black Galaxy) counter tops. I work at a University and a professor pulled me aside and informed me about Radon in Granite. This all makes sense now. We need to keep Granite in it's natural state. Sure looks beautiful, but I will not chance it.

[parkero]

Consider that many of the "granite" slabs sold for decorative use are not granite. My sister has a beautiful "black granite" slab in her kitchen that even someone who took Geology 101 could easily identify as anorthosite. (Look at that labradorescence)! If it is dark colored - not granite. Less than 25% quartz - not granite. More than 10% biotite - not granite. The most likely contender for radioactivity in countertops is pegmatite. No need for hysteria about this imaginary horrible.

[dahur]

We had our granite installed in March. I had pre called the yard to see if I could bring my counters, and they said sure. I tested about 20 slabs. I found one that had a couple spots 400 uR/h on my PM 1703. All the the others were between 125-250 CPM, with background 45-50 CPM. Really pretty low readings. Our "Golden Persha" averages 125-175 CPM with a background of 44-50. Our Safety Siren Pro radon detector comes in at 2.6-2.8, with EPA limits of no more than 4.0, we feel pretty safe.

[eenie2010]

Radiation and radon are two separate issues. Even so, test results show that the most of the granite sold for use as countertops do not emit radiation or radon in levels of concern. Bananas contain radioactive Potassium (K-40). The level of radiation emitted from bananas is very low, but what you are saying is no bananas, or for that matter sleeping next to a loved one, they emit radiation as well.

[eenie2010]

Sorry to disagree, but the tests don't substantiate that there is radiation emitted from most granites. Maybe it has U in it, but at concentrations so low that it isn't measureable above background. That is why you can't say U is dangerous without stating the context. Perhaps it is at low concentrations like the soil around your house and that your food grows in or perhaps it is contained in a sample that doesn't let the radiation out and the radiation is absorded by the material - not emitted.

[Napalmdeath420]

radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, so i dont believe this "not much of a risk" quote. we are around a bunch of radiation already, why add more radiation with granite?? it just boggles my mind, its like quitting smoking and then hanging out in a smoke filled bar all day and night.

[Napalmdeath420]

@eenie2010 i dont think so, ALL granite emits radiation because ALL of it has uranium in it. there isnt a peice of granite on the face of the earth that doesnt emit radiation because it has URANIUM IN IT, which is highly dangerous.