Granite Countertops: Safety hazard?
One of the concerns that sprung up about granite slabs and granite countertops is the possibility of these emitting harmful amounts of radon. Radon is an element that is the second leading cause for lung cancer next to cigarette smoking. As such, it has become a worry for some people when the news came out.
But is it true? According to tests made by the EPA and the New York State Health Department, only small percentage of granite types showed radon reactions, and miniscule percentage showed values close to alarming levels. As such, it was showed that the levels are not dangerous. This is also the position of the Marble Institute of America, who also sponsored a test on all types of granite slabs for traces of radon and showed similar results.
But does it clear all causes for alarm? With the rise of granite countertop ownership, it was supposed that this increase in number would have a cumulative effect on radon levels. One can say that personal granite and marble ownership would not cause any hazard, but if more than enough people in the neighborhood have granite slabs in their homes, the amount could be significant.
It does sound logical, but still far-fetched. The problem with these concerns is that there has not been any sufficient research and data gathered to say this for certain. Though radon levels are definitely a concern, one can’t say absolutely that the main contributor for the presence of radon is the granite slab in your kitchen or bathroom.
What is the better alternative? You should do the test yourself. There are radon tests available in hardware stores and it won’t do any harm perform some in your home. Places recommended to do the tests are in the kitchen, bedroom, and other places where you have granite slabs. If you get safe values, then you can conclude that all is well. If you detect some high levels, then it’s better to have a pro assess the radon levels in your home.
But is the radon concern enough to dissuade you from owning a granite countertop? Based on available data, there’s no definite safety hazard in using granite in styling your home. It may be good to be on the safe side, but then we should not let our fears get ahead of us. Do the tests, and if all is clear, then that should be enough to put your concerns at ease.
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