Granite has grown in popularity as building materials particularly for kitchen countertops because they are not only beautiful but also functional.
Is there radiation in granite countertops.
You can identify the levels presence and concentration of the radioactive elements found in your granite countertops.
So are granite countertops a real risk.
Granite countertops and radiation a variety of materials may be used to make countertops including artificial materials quartz marble slate and granite.
However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home.
One of the things that many homeowners are concerned about is the issue of granite radiation.
There are currently no regulations concerning granite countertops radon gas or radiation emissions.
After all there are always exceptions to the rule.
The lowdown on granite radiation.
Identify the levels of radiation in granite countertops.
Granite countertops and radon gas science and technical committee of the american association of radon scientists and technologists aarst august 4 2008 2 pages.
The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
Here are some frequently asked questions about radon and the risks associated with granite.
It is not likely that the radiation coming from the granite kitchen counters will increase the radiation doses above the normal natural background levels.
Some granite countertops have been found to give off trace amounts of radon and reporters cited a few kitchens with radon levels as high as 25 times the epa s safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of.
Radiation from granite countertops.
Granite s durability and decorative appearance make it a popular building material in homes and buildings.
Assuming a relatively tight house with an air change rate of 0 5 per hour h 1 and using average measured dose rates from granite countertop slabs the estimated radon concentration in kitchen air would be.
Based on significant research from granite s around the world it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials.
The question is whether they do so at levels that can impact cancer risk.
Over the past couple of decades however there have been reports that some granite countertops may be emitting dangerous amounts of radiation.