Questions and Answers About Granite and Radon

There have been several reports on TV and in newspapers about radon and granite countertops and the possible dangers associated with it. You may have heard snippets of information but haven't gotten a lot of details. If you have granite in your home or are thinking about adding it, such reports may rightly worry you. Below are some basic questions you may have about radon, granite, and how it all affects you.

What is radon?
A good question. While you may have heard the word and some reports about it, you may not necessarily know what it is or how it may affect you or your family. Simply, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It's primarily found in the soil and can often be found in low concentrations in basements of the Midwest and East.

Is radon found in granite countertops?
Apparently low concentrations of radon gas are emitted by granite. This may make sense in view of the fact that radon does occur in the earth. However, the granite used in the United States (including countertops) emits very low concentrations of the gas. Such low levels of environmental radiation are deemed safe by the government.

Is radon dangerous?
Technically radiation in any form can be harmful if the concentration levels and exposure time are high enough. Note it has more to do with the concentration, exposure levels, and duration of exposure than the radiation itself. We're all exposed to radiation in some form on a regular basis. Every time we step into sunlight, for example, or turn on the TV. Radiation exists throughout our environment so it's more the quantity of radiation and time we're exposed to it that counts.

Keep in mind too that radon gas does not work like carbon monoxide. It will not build up suddenly in the middle of the night undetected. Even in a basement, if it's properly ventilated, the levels of radiation should not be a problem.

Will radon soak into my food?
Radon cannot absorb into food in its natural state. Radiation has to first be dissolved into water before it can be absorbed. If food is left on the countertop, it can't absorb any radon being emitted.

Is my granite countertop safe?
Modern studies show that the concentration levels of radon emitting from granite are not enough to cause worry about health risks. As mentioned above, low concentrations of radiation are common in many natural products like soil and even foods such as potatoes and bananas. The amount of radon emitted should not be enough for serious concern. If, however, you do feel you need to be concerned about the concentration of radon in your home, contact your local area radon organization for help.

This overview of what radon gas is, where you find it, and what it can and cannot do will hopefully provide you with some much-needed answers. While radiation is nothing to take lightly, studies show that there should be no need to fear for your family’s health if you already have granite countertops or plan to install them in the near future.