The Fight Over Radon in Granite Countertops

Since July 2008 there have been several articles appearing in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, warning about the dangers of radon gas being emitted by granite countertops.  These articles have sparked a battle over the safety of granite countertops in our homes.  On one hand, we have individuals who believe that every ounce of granite in homes schools, and offices should be ripped out and disposed of in hazardous waste dumpsites.  On the other hand, there is the Marble Institute of America who is defending granite and particularly granite countertops as being completely safe.  Therefore, it’s no wonder that homeowners who have granite countertops are confused and many in a panic over whether or not they should keep their beautiful countertops or have them ripped out, seeing radon is a radioactive gas, which can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, with smoking being the leading cause of lung cancer. 

The purpose of this article is to examine the facts concerning Radon and the safety of granite countertops in our homes, schools, and businesses, and to provide information so that you can make an educated decision concerning the safety of granite countertops for you and your family. 

Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) of air, and a picoCurie is a measurement of how much radioactivity there is in a particular substance.  The level of radon in outdoor air is approximately 0.4 pCi/L, and the average level of radon in indoor air is approximately 1.3 pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that action should be taken if the level of Radon in a home, schools, and/or workplace reaches 4.0 pCi/L. 

According to the EPA, regarding radon in granite countertops, they state, “Based on existing studies, most types of granite used in countertops and other aspects of home construction are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home,” this comes directly the EPA website.  For more information on radon, see www.epa.gov/radon. 

According to the US EPA, American Lung Association, and the National Safety Council everyone should test their home for Radon because it is only through testing that you will know your home's radon levels.  Radon does not alert you to its presents, it does not have a foul odor, nor does is there any visible color to alert you of its presents.  You will not experience any immediate symptoms, and it usually takes several years of exposure to Radon before any health problems become apparent.  In addition, Radon is an environmental health problem that has been discovered in every state.  It has been estimated by the US EPA that 1 home in 5 has elevated radon levels, whether or not the home has granite countertops.  

If after you have tested your home for Radon, you discover that it has high concentrations of radon, don’t panic as you can reduce the amount to acceptable levels.  Many times radon comes into the building from the soil or rock beneath it and becomes trapped and concentrated inside the home.  The following are common areas of how Radon enters a home:

• Cracks in floors and walls
  

• Gaps in suspended floors
  

• Cracks and openings around sump pumps, drains, utility penetration such as wires and pipes
  

• Joints in construction materials
  

• Crawl spaces that open directly into the building

In addition to these methods of entry, radon may also be dissolved in water, particularly well water, with the more radon there is in the water, the more it can increase the indoor radon level. 

Many radon problems are easily fixed for approximately $500.  If you need or want assistance by a professional then please visit this website for a list of certified radon mitigators for your state:  http://www.radon.com/radon/radon_map.html. 

You can get Radon test kits from several sources.  In addition, many local or county health departments, and state radon programs offer free test kits.  You can also obtain Radon test kits from the National Safety Council website: www.nsc.org/resources/issues/radon/index.aspx  or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).  Test kits are also available from some home improvement stores. 

To learn more about the availability of test kits in your area, or to find a qualified testing or mitigation contractor, contact your state radon office by going to www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html and then clicking on the state where you live.

Fact 1: Radon is a carcinogen---and there is no known risk-free level.

Fact 2: Radon is a natural part of the environment therefore, no place is Radon free.

Fact 3: Based on existing studies, most types of granite commonly used in countertops are not typically known to be a significant contributor of increased Radon levels in the home.