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Radioactive Counter Tops
By Brian Wooley | July 30, 2008
Based on reading some of the more recent research of radiation in granite counter tops, I have distilled the following basic information about this topic.
Some granite counter tops contain high levels of uranium, which, by generating gamma radiation and radon gas, can produce a health risk. The highest levels of radioactivity seem to include varieties of striated granites from Brazil and Namibia. Nearly 1,600 varieties of granite produced in 64 countries are consumed in the United States.
The Marble Institute of America, a trade group which also represents the granite industry, cited a University of Akron study that found granite varieties used in 85 percent of counter tops are safe.
There is currently no protocol for testing granite for radioactivity.
There has been speculation that reports of granite’s radioactivity have been sensationalized by competitors who market non-granite products.
The radioactive substances in granite, significantly uranium, pose a significant threat since they may produce both radiation and radon gas. Radon is second only to cigarettes as a cause of lung cancer. It is especially dangerous to smokers.
Charcoal Radon Test kits can be purchased on the internet or local stores for as little as $16.00.
Topics: Home Buyer, Home Owner, New Construction |