Date Published: 10/11/2009 [Source]
Concerns regarding the safety of granite surfaces and the level of radon gas emitted has sparked a controversy by 90. However, the extensive use of granite in kitchen and bath caused renewed interest in this old issue.
The New York Times recently published an article about NJ resident Dr. Lynn Sugarman and the discovery of radiation levels in granite bench that was 10 times higher than anywhere else in the home. The stone contained high levels of radioactive uranium which releases radon gas decays. Will these gases have any possible damage to the health of? Dr. Sugarman was not sure, but concern has been to all the granite counters removed. What is radon? As reported by the Health Canada Guide, "Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
The EPA has determined that 4pCi / L is a safe standard for indoor air and must be taken to any level above it. The granite countertop in the kitchen of Dr. Sugarman emitted radon readings 100pCi / L. All kinds of granite at risk? Higher test results shown in the most exotic types of granite such as Brazilian, and bright pink, red and purple stone.
The Marble Institute of America has issued a report that challenges these results and shows that a piece of granite emitting such high radon measurements would be too porous to make a bench or stand up to complete the process.