Granite and Radon Myths Debunked

You may have heard and read about the controversy surrounding radon gas and granite countertops and tiles. News reports and other media have questioned the potential health risks and this may leave you wondering if granite is safe to have in your home. There is a lot of confusion as to what radon gas is and what it can do - especially in relation to granite countertops. Before we look at some of the confusion caused, let's look at what radon really is and its potential health risks.

What is Radon?
Radon is a type of radioactive gas and is a natural product of our environment. It's found in the soil and commonly occurs in Midwestern and Eastern basements. The concentrations of this gas are usually not high enough to be a health risk.

There is a lot of fear associated with the word 'radiation' and with good reason. We've all heard about the severe health problems that can result from high exposures to radiation. So it's natural to be concerned when you read that a form of radiation may be emitted by your granite countertops. But keep in mind that we're exposed to small levels of radiation on a day-to-day basis both in and out of our homes. Whether standing in sunlight, gardening, or even cooking and watching TV, we expose our bodies to mild degrees of radiation. So the health risks associated with radiation don't necessarily depend on the radiation itself but the concentration, source, and exposure and duration of the radiation.

That said, the radon levels found in granite through scientific studies show that they are usually safe. So now that we know what radon is let's find out what it is not.

Radon is Not Like Carbon Monoxide
Some believe that radon gas is like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is produced by cars, water heaters, and furnaces while low concentrations of radon are emitted by the soil and other products of our environment. Carbon monoxide can build up and poison a person quickly and without any warning. The amount of radon found in the surrounding soil, your basement, or even emitted by your granite countertop is unlikely to pose a health threat. Proper ventillation in basements especially can keep radon from concentrating and building to unhealthy levels. If you feel you're being exposed to unhealthy concentrations of radon gas, seek the help of a radon organization in your area.

Radon Cannot Be Measured by a Geiger Counter
You may have seen pictures of a Geiger counter on top of a granite countertop. This is somewhat misleading as Geiger counters only measure radiation, not radon gas specifically. The counters can't identify where the radiation is coming from or the type of radiation emitted. And since we've already established that radiation is emitted by varied sources, including the sun, a picture of a Geiger counter on top of a granite countertop is not very conclusive. Again, proof of radiation does not automatically mean there are health risks. Several factors including the concentration of radiation and the amount and duration of exposure all play a role.

Food Cannot Absorb Radon
Food placed on a granite countertop cannot absorb radon. A radioactive element would have to be dissolved in water first before it could be absorbed by food. Before you panic about the vegetables or fruits left out on the counter, keep in mind that even some foods give off a tiny amount of radiation, including potatoes and bananas.

Now that you know what radon is, where it can be found, and what the known health risks are you can rest at ease. Just remember that radon is not a stealth killer like carbon monoxide; Geiger counters cannot measure radon specifically; and food left naked on the granite countertop will not absorb radon. Keep your family healthy by being aware and knowing what's real and what's not.