Can Granite Countertops Harm You? Studies Say No!

Granite is one of the most frequently used materials for home décor. Now environmentalists and companies have started opposing the using of granite for home décor. They feel that granite emits radon gas which is harmful for the body. It is a matter of serious concern as scientists have started examining the stone to see if they are harmful for the body or not. However they have arrived at the conclusion that the radon gas though emitted by granite is not emitted in sufficient proportions to make it harmful.

Yes you have heard us correct. Now there is no need to be concerned about installing granite in your home. Studies done by experts have proved that it is perfectly safe. Even if it releases radon gas it does so in a minimal amount; thus it is not a problem if you install it at home. These studies come as a relief to many home owners who prefer to install radon but were not confident to install it in their own home due to safety concerns. This study dispels all myth surrounding the utilization of this stone.

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas. This affects the quality of air indoors. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has started programs to create awareness among the homeowners about radon and its effects. Although it has been proved that radon will never pose any threat for health, yet, there are many who prefer their granite to check before they are installed. It has been noted that the stone may have uranium in different concentrations which might be capable to produce radon gas with bet and alpha particles and this can be harmful for the quality of indoor air, there are no health hazards involved.

When questioned about the intensity of radioactive reaction, the Florida Department of Health has stated that all of us are exposed to a level of background radiation. All the materials like the earthen materials are known to emit radon gas, but they will never pose any real threat to the human body. According to the Health Physics Society, the radiation level is not harmful for the body and the granite countertops should not be removed. However if the homeowner is still concerned, the radon concentration should be monitored from time to time. If it is found that the radon concentration level is higher than the normal level, then the granite countertops should be removed.

The amount of radioactivity is small in granite countertops. They will never pose any threat for the humans. It has also been noted that the amount of background radiation is much more than the amount of radon gas emitted by the granite countertops. The radiation from the granite countertops is generally detected from a distance. But it will never cause any direct harm to the body. Background radiation can be worse and it may be the cause for a number of life-threatening diseases. If you are not satisfied, you can still hire a professional to know whether the granite countertops in your kitchen are safe to sue or not!