Granite Countertops Are Not a Health Threat

People who are conscious about the look and aesthetics of their kitchen use the granite countertops. They last for a long period and are easier to maintain. However, the detractors of granite say that they can prove to be harmful for your health as often they can emit noxious gases. The experts think the radon gas emitted by the granites can be unsafe for the users. If you are a granite countertop owner do not worry about these premonitions; instead check the facts before you ring the alarm bell. Researchers have refuted most of these allegations and termed them as baseless.

The marble manufacturers assure that the granite radiation is not potentially harmful. You can see the details about Radon in the website of Environmental Protection Agency. It describes radon as a natural radioactive gas with carcinogenic properties. It does not have smell, taste and color. Despite the allegations raised against granite, the demand and popularity of granite countertops has shown no signs of diminishing.

The variety of granite available on the market has played a pivotal role behind its popularity. Before you decide to discard the granite countertop used in your house learn exactly what amount of Radon emission can do harm to your health. PicoCuries per liter of air is the unit used to estimate the level of radon emission. As per the data of EPA 4 pCi/L and above amount of radon can pose harm to your health. The New York Times says that 4 picocuries of radon carries equivalent risk of cancer that one incurs by smoking half packet of cigarettes everyday.

However, the newspaper reports also reveal that the accusations of radon emission by granite countertops have been raised by the rival countertop makers. If you go through the report published by Marble Institute of America you will see that it has refuted such claims. It says while granite possesses some amount of radioactive materials and uranium the amount of the materials present in the countertops are not harmful for human beings.

The heartening thing is that the radiation experts and health physicists agree that radon emission by granite countertops are below the danger level for us. In fact they think other sources of radiation are far more harmful compared to the radiation caused by granite countertops. The radiation caused by certain manmade sources like luminous watches, smoke detectors and X-rays can prove to be far more dangerous to health compared to granite.

The EPA has received several calls of late from people who are anxious to find out the danger posed by granite countertops. Those who have found that their granite countertops emit radiation above the ideal level are concerned. Stanley Liebert, who is the quality assurance director of CMT Laboratories in New York, has said that in some cases radon radiation can be controlled by improving the flow of fresh air in kitchen. It is also advisable not to use colored granite tops.

If you are still in doubt get in touch with a radon inspector. He can test and tell you how safe your countertop is.