Radon In Granite? A Fact Check!
The recent uproar about the radiation from granite has created a lot of speculations among the users and others. Everybody has some questions in their minds and the different answers that they are getting have made the situation even more confusing. However, the following few lines will aim at clarifying the issue properly as they deal with the frequently asked questions on the subject.
What does the EPA think about the radiation of the radon gas from granite countertops?
All the granite samples may contain uranium and other natural radioactive elements. As these element produce radon gas, it is possible that certain granite samples can increase the amount of radon in the home atmosphere. It can also emit other radio active products like the alpha, beta and gamma. However, EPA does not believe that there is a significant increase in radon because of the granite. Some pieces of granites may emit a higher level of radon gas though the amount is still ignorable.
What is the advice of EPA to people who are using the granite countertops?
EPA recommends a thorough test of the indoor air to measure the radon risk. However, the test is very easy with hundreds of kits available in the market. Thanks to the kits, the homeowners can do the test by themselves and. However, it is likely that the granite may emit the gas, like any other natural stone and also, like them, the amount will be minimal.
Still, if the test detects that your home has 4 pCi per liter, you should take steps to reduce it. The state radon office will help you in this respect. A professional can be hired to fix the problem and for a more specific search. You can always visit the website of the EPA to learn more about the way to reduce the radon.
Questions and Answers About Granite and Radon
There have been several reports on TV and in newspapers about radon and granite countertops and the possible dangers associated with it. You may have heard snippets of information but haven't gotten a lot of details. If you have granite in your home or are thinking about adding it, such reports may rightly worry you. Below are some basic questions you may have about radon, granite, and how it all affects you.
What is radon?
A good question. While you may have heard the word and some reports about it, you may not necessarily know what it is or how it may affect you or your family. Simply, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It's primarily found in the soil and can often be found in low concentrations in basements of the Midwest and East.
Is radon found in granite countertops?
Apparently low concentrations of radon gas are emitted by granite. This may make sense in view of the fact that radon does occur in the earth. However, the granite used in the United States (including countertops) emits very low concentrations of the gas. Such low levels of environmental radiation are deemed safe by the government.
Is radon dangerous?
Technically radiation in any form can be harmful if the concentration levels and exposure time are high enough. Note it has more to do with the concentration, exposure levels, and duration of exposure than the radiation itself. We're all exposed to radiation in some form on a regular basis. Every time we step into sunlight, for example, or turn on the TV. Radiation exists throughout our environment so it's more the quantity of radiation and time we're exposed to it that counts.
Keep in mind too that radon gas does not work like carbon monoxide. It will not build up suddenly in the middle of the night undetected. Even in a basement, if it's properly ventilated, the levels of radiation should not be a problem.
Will radon soak into my food?
Radon cannot absorb into food in its natural state. Radiation has to first be dissolved into water before it can be absorbed. If food is left on the countertop, it can't absorb any radon being emitted.
Is my granite countertop safe?
Modern studies show that the concentration levels of radon emitting from granite are not enough to cause worry about health risks. As mentioned above, low concentrations of radiation are common in many natural products like soil and even foods such as potatoes and bananas. The amount of radon emitted should not be enough for serious concern. If, however, you do feel you need to be concerned about the concentration of radon in your home, contact your local area radon organization for help.
This overview of what radon gas is, where you find it, and what it can and cannot do will hopefully provide you with some much-needed answers. While radiation is nothing to take lightly, studies show that there should be no need to fear for your family?s health if you already have granite countertops or plan to install them in the near future.
Is Radon Emitted by Granite?
Granite is one of the best building materials that if used effectively can instantly add to the glamour of your house. Despite huge popularity of this stone, some people avoid this stone for health concerns. They have a common question?does granite emit radon gas. Yes granite does emit radon gas but the thing that is to be noted in this context is that the amount of granite that is emitted by granite is negligible. It does not have any negative effect on the health of animals or humans.
A person can install a granite floor in his house without worrying about the health factors. Someone who has a granite floor in his house can test the radon level of his house. This would help him know if the granite products in his house have any adverse effect on their health.
Studies and researches have been conducted on radon gas emission by granite countertops. Several well known environmental experts are carrying on experiments to check the radon emission by granite countertops. EPA has always given due importance to the emission of radon from granite countertops. They would always monitor facts related to it and upgrade people with the best recommendation to use them. At present, they have not made any regulation related to emission of radon gas from kitchen countertops.
Varying amount of uranium as well as some other radioactive elements is present in all samples of granite. The elements that are present in granite can emit radiation which can lead to the production of radon gas. Granite used to make countertops can also emit radon gas. But the data that is available on this is not enough for the EPA to conclude that indoor radon level would increase by installing granite countertops. In some cases, the radiation level may be high and then a person should take necessary step to check it. However in most cases the radiation level is pretty low and so it is perfectly safe to install granite worktops.
EPA considers that the soil which is in contact with walls and basement floors is the chief source of radon gas in the house. A homeowner who would like to reduce the level of radon gas in his house should get the air of his house tested. By checking the air of the house, one would be able to determine radon level of his home. Several kits are available these days to check the radon level of house. A person can buy the kits and test the radon level of his house. Generally the radon level remains low.
If you have a granite countertop or a granite floor in your house then you should test the air of your house. By testing the air of your house, you would be able to avoid the risks of radon gas. Using granite safely in the house can make the house look elegant. Granite is a hard rock and with proper maintenance can last for the entire lifetime of the homeowner.
Will A Radon Mitigation System For Reducing Radon Gas Work In A Home With A Granite Foundation?
We are buying a home with a granite foundation built in 1933, in mass. Will a radon mitigation system help with high levels of radon even if the radon is coming from the granite walls themselves? Our reading was a 4.2, thanks
Does A Granite Counter Top Emit Radon Gas?
Somebody told me that radon gas is emitted in a granite c.top .If so how much is emitted and to what degree does it pose to people.
