If you have ever thought of installing granite in your house, you must have heard those terrible words that granite emits a dangerous gas named radon and this can result in some serious health hazards. However, the hype has gone higher in recent times, forcing the scientists to involve in thorough research. The conclusion reached by them is satisfactory for those who have granite in their houses and frustrating for those who don’t.
Radon is basically a gas without and color or smell. It is a radioactive gas and contaminates the air naturally. In recent times, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has given a lot of stress on the researches to find out the exact threats that the gas poses on human beings.
Though the researchers have accepted that the granite emits the radon gas, the amount of it is far less than the amount necessary for causing health problems. There are different agencies that have carried out researches and all of them have given marble a clean chit.
The research conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency has found out that the granites contain certain amount of uranium and therefore can produce radioactive elements like the alpha, beta, gamma and even the radon. However, they said that there is no evidence to claim that the granite countertops pose any risk at all to the household air quality.
Florida Department of Health has reached a similar conclusion form their researches as well. However, they have not conducted specific researches on the countertops, their findings, rather, are applied to all the granites products. They too, have found out a very little amount of radioactive elements in the granite as well as most of the earthen products. Their researches have found out that we are exposed to the radiation all the time. However, the low amount of radiation dispels all the fears of the health hazards from granite countertops.
The health department of the Washington State too, has conducted a similar research. According to it, the radiation from the granite countertop can be traced only from a very short distance and the amount is very low. There is chance of getting exposed to the radiation only if a person lies on the counter for a long time.
The Texas Department of State Health Service also believes that granite is safe. Information on their site says that the level of radiation from the granite is so low that there is no practical threat from the granite countertops. In fact, the amount of radiation from the granite countertops is, according to them, less than what we are exposed to everyday.
Finally, the Health Physics Society has confirmed that there is no need to remove the granite countertops. The homeowners can go for the monitoring of the radon concentration. Still, if the owner is concerned about the radon, measures can be taken to remove the gas from the house.
Showing posts with label granite and radon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label granite and radon. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Granite And Health Hazards: Must Know Facts
Granite is extremely popular among interior designers. They can be mostly used in bathrooms and kitchens. Now some experts are of the opinion that granite emits radon gas which is one of the main causes of cancer among non-smokers. They have also said that even pregnant women are at risk from the radiation and hence this is a stone which should not be used in house at all.
Mostly granite is safe to use, but according to some experts the variations like the exotic highly-strained ones which are imported from Brazil and Namibia are not at all safe. Radon levels are high in these granite slabs. However recent research has proved that these allegations are baseless and radon emitted by the granite slabs are far below the health threat level. Hence it does not in any way prove that granite is non suitable for house. In fact it is one of the most eco friendly materials that can be used in house.
Radon levels are generally high in the basement area. Although experts have expressed their concern about radiation, they have also said that limited physical contact with the stone and a well-ventilated room can lessen the threat. If you feel that you are in constant danger, you can simply use some of the radon testing kits which are available from the local stores. No test can actually determine the amount of radiation. But with tests, you can always eliminate the possibility of imminent threat.
If you feel that you do not want to live under constant threat, you have the options of other materials which you can use for countertops like stainless steel, soapstone and other solid materials. You can consult the home builder to know about the advantages and disadvantages of the materials. Whatever material you choose, it should complement the design of your homes. Moreover if safety of your loved ones is a matter of great concern for you, you can always consult the home builders about the choice of materials.
Even scientists have said that there are no threats involved with granite. Radon is odorless and colorless gas. Although granite is known to contain variations of uranium which can emit radon gas, the amount is negligible and can never pose a threat which might be a life-risk. The indoor radon levels can increase the amount of radon inside the house. A few samples have been taken by the Florida Health Department for tests. They have confirmed that no granite slabs have produced radon which can be considered as life-threatening.
The amount of radioactivity is quite small in granite slabs and many tests have been done which have proved beyond doubt that it is not a cause of concern at all. Although there might be a possibility of direct radiation, in general we will find that it is nothing compared to the radiation from atmosphere. The amount is negligible which cannot cause any health hazard. However if you have doubts in your mind, you can use other materials for countertops or keep children away from the kitchen as much as possible.
Mostly granite is safe to use, but according to some experts the variations like the exotic highly-strained ones which are imported from Brazil and Namibia are not at all safe. Radon levels are high in these granite slabs. However recent research has proved that these allegations are baseless and radon emitted by the granite slabs are far below the health threat level. Hence it does not in any way prove that granite is non suitable for house. In fact it is one of the most eco friendly materials that can be used in house.
Radon levels are generally high in the basement area. Although experts have expressed their concern about radiation, they have also said that limited physical contact with the stone and a well-ventilated room can lessen the threat. If you feel that you are in constant danger, you can simply use some of the radon testing kits which are available from the local stores. No test can actually determine the amount of radiation. But with tests, you can always eliminate the possibility of imminent threat.
If you feel that you do not want to live under constant threat, you have the options of other materials which you can use for countertops like stainless steel, soapstone and other solid materials. You can consult the home builder to know about the advantages and disadvantages of the materials. Whatever material you choose, it should complement the design of your homes. Moreover if safety of your loved ones is a matter of great concern for you, you can always consult the home builders about the choice of materials.
Even scientists have said that there are no threats involved with granite. Radon is odorless and colorless gas. Although granite is known to contain variations of uranium which can emit radon gas, the amount is negligible and can never pose a threat which might be a life-risk. The indoor radon levels can increase the amount of radon inside the house. A few samples have been taken by the Florida Health Department for tests. They have confirmed that no granite slabs have produced radon which can be considered as life-threatening.
The amount of radioactivity is quite small in granite slabs and many tests have been done which have proved beyond doubt that it is not a cause of concern at all. Although there might be a possibility of direct radiation, in general we will find that it is nothing compared to the radiation from atmosphere. The amount is negligible which cannot cause any health hazard. However if you have doubts in your mind, you can use other materials for countertops or keep children away from the kitchen as much as possible.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Granite Countertops Are Not A Health Threat: Environmental Experts
Granite countertops are a popular choice for your house. However many are skeptical using it as they feel that it might be a health threat. In recent years it has been alleged that countertops made with granite often give up radon gas which is harmful for health and hence it is imperative that you test them before it causes any serious problem to you and your family. Recent research however has nullified these claims and said granite countertops are not harmful at all.
According to the statements made by the experts, though radon gas might pose serious threat yet in most cases the amount of radon gas that comes out from granite countertop is hardly sufficient to be a threat. In fact in most cases, the amount of radon gas, which the granite countertops produce is negligible. It can thus not manage to hamper your health, the experts said. The granite and marble manufacturers too have declined this allegation and refuted such baseless claims. They said that this type of radiation is not at all dangerous.
The officials of the Environmental Protection Agency wrote about thus issue on their website. According to them radon is a dangerous gas which can cause cancer. The worst part is that you cannot see, taste or smell this gas. It can make you sick. However they said that since granite produces negligible amount of radon hence using granite countertops in kitchen is not dangerous at all. Doctors stated that most of the lung cancers occur due to radon. In America, many people die from lung cancer caused by radon gas. It is considered as the second leading cause of cancer (lung) in the United States of America. In America, more than twenty thousand people die due to lung cancer. This statistic is enough to raise concern but it should be remembered that in most cases radon gas is inhaled from atmosphere; there is almost no example of an individual getting cancer after inhalation of radon emitted from granite countertops. This well proves the fact that granite countertops are harmless.
The demand and popularity for granite countertops is increasing with time. This is because most people have realized that there is more threat to inhale radon from atmosphere than from granite countertops.
The measurement of radon in the air is done by pCi/L or PicoCuries (per liter of air). The situation may turn to be dangerous if 4 pCi/L amount of radon is found in the air. One needs to take immediate action in this case. According to the reports of the New York Times, 4 picocuries of radio gas in the air is as dangerous as smoking a ½ packet of cigarette each day. Doctors and researchers are trying to make people aware about this issue.
United States Marble authorities too have welcomed this effort and have also stated that the amounts of radio active materials present in granite countertops are not harmful. It cannot trigger any health problem, said the authorities.
Rather Radon emission from luminous watches, X rays and smoke detectors could be considered to be more dangerous.
According to the statements made by the experts, though radon gas might pose serious threat yet in most cases the amount of radon gas that comes out from granite countertop is hardly sufficient to be a threat. In fact in most cases, the amount of radon gas, which the granite countertops produce is negligible. It can thus not manage to hamper your health, the experts said. The granite and marble manufacturers too have declined this allegation and refuted such baseless claims. They said that this type of radiation is not at all dangerous.
The officials of the Environmental Protection Agency wrote about thus issue on their website. According to them radon is a dangerous gas which can cause cancer. The worst part is that you cannot see, taste or smell this gas. It can make you sick. However they said that since granite produces negligible amount of radon hence using granite countertops in kitchen is not dangerous at all. Doctors stated that most of the lung cancers occur due to radon. In America, many people die from lung cancer caused by radon gas. It is considered as the second leading cause of cancer (lung) in the United States of America. In America, more than twenty thousand people die due to lung cancer. This statistic is enough to raise concern but it should be remembered that in most cases radon gas is inhaled from atmosphere; there is almost no example of an individual getting cancer after inhalation of radon emitted from granite countertops. This well proves the fact that granite countertops are harmless.
The demand and popularity for granite countertops is increasing with time. This is because most people have realized that there is more threat to inhale radon from atmosphere than from granite countertops.
The measurement of radon in the air is done by pCi/L or PicoCuries (per liter of air). The situation may turn to be dangerous if 4 pCi/L amount of radon is found in the air. One needs to take immediate action in this case. According to the reports of the New York Times, 4 picocuries of radio gas in the air is as dangerous as smoking a ½ packet of cigarette each day. Doctors and researchers are trying to make people aware about this issue.
United States Marble authorities too have welcomed this effort and have also stated that the amounts of radio active materials present in granite countertops are not harmful. It cannot trigger any health problem, said the authorities.
Rather Radon emission from luminous watches, X rays and smoke detectors could be considered to be more dangerous.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Should You Worry About Radon?
With all the news reports and controversy surrounding radon gas and granite countertops, you may be very concerned. If you have granite in your home, you may worry that it's harming you and your family. You may also be confused as to what radon is exactly and the health risks it may or may not pose. While a lot of reports may be speculation, there are definite facts we can look at in deciding whether the radon found in granite countertops is in fact hazardous to your health. Here are a couple of those facts and the answers they lead to.
Fact: Radon Gas is a Form of Radiation
Radon is a type of radioactive gas. It is most commonly found in soil throughout the United States, and may be more prevalent in basements located in the midwestern and eastern parts of the country. Such environmental exposure is said to be safe according to government standards. In fact, you're likely to receive more exposure to radon from the soil than from a granite countertop.
Fact: We're Surrounded by Radiation
The word 'radiation' tends to incite panic and fear, and concerns for finding it in your home are legitimate. In certain concentrations with high exposure levels and long exposure times, radiation is very dangerous and shouldn't be treated lightly. Hence, why there have been so many studies and reports focused on radon in granite. But did you know that low concentrations of radiation exist all around us? In fact, we’re all exposed to some amount of radiation every day. How so?
For one thing, the sun is our biggest source of radiation exposure. Every time we step out into sunlight, we absorb some amount of radiation. Other materials making up a house, including concrete blocks, emit radiation. As mentioned above, the very ground we stand on emits some amount of radon. And even foods we consume emit radiation, including potatoes and bananas. We can't escape it; radiation, including radon gas, is a part of our environment. That doesn't mean it's always safe, and if you are concerned that unhealthy amounts of radiation are being emitted in your home, contact a nearby radon organization for help and advice.
Is Radon in Granite Dangerous?
As mentioned, the government deems our everyday exposure to low concentrations of radiation safe. Does this mean that the radon emitted from granite is safe? The U.S. EPA states that "most types of granite used in countertops and other aspects of home construction are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home." The Florida Department of Health agrees and adds that while "there was measurable gamma radiation from the granite" it was "not at level of concern."
These and other scientific organizations, including the American Association of Radon
Scientists and Technologists (AARST), have studied granite emissions over the years and have concluded that even at their highest the levels of granite emissions are not high enough to cause concern. So there seems to be little to fear from your granite countertop or tiles.
Fact: Radon Gas is a Form of Radiation
Radon is a type of radioactive gas. It is most commonly found in soil throughout the United States, and may be more prevalent in basements located in the midwestern and eastern parts of the country. Such environmental exposure is said to be safe according to government standards. In fact, you're likely to receive more exposure to radon from the soil than from a granite countertop.
Fact: We're Surrounded by Radiation
The word 'radiation' tends to incite panic and fear, and concerns for finding it in your home are legitimate. In certain concentrations with high exposure levels and long exposure times, radiation is very dangerous and shouldn't be treated lightly. Hence, why there have been so many studies and reports focused on radon in granite. But did you know that low concentrations of radiation exist all around us? In fact, we’re all exposed to some amount of radiation every day. How so?
For one thing, the sun is our biggest source of radiation exposure. Every time we step out into sunlight, we absorb some amount of radiation. Other materials making up a house, including concrete blocks, emit radiation. As mentioned above, the very ground we stand on emits some amount of radon. And even foods we consume emit radiation, including potatoes and bananas. We can't escape it; radiation, including radon gas, is a part of our environment. That doesn't mean it's always safe, and if you are concerned that unhealthy amounts of radiation are being emitted in your home, contact a nearby radon organization for help and advice.
Is Radon in Granite Dangerous?
As mentioned, the government deems our everyday exposure to low concentrations of radiation safe. Does this mean that the radon emitted from granite is safe? The U.S. EPA states that "most types of granite used in countertops and other aspects of home construction are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home." The Florida Department of Health agrees and adds that while "there was measurable gamma radiation from the granite" it was "not at level of concern."
These and other scientific organizations, including the American Association of Radon
Scientists and Technologists (AARST), have studied granite emissions over the years and have concluded that even at their highest the levels of granite emissions are not high enough to cause concern. So there seems to be little to fear from your granite countertop or tiles.
Granite Countertops Are Not Health Threat
Granite countertops can for sure enhance the look of your house but if they threaten your health you would be sure to not have them in your house. True, none of us want to take a chance with our health. Hence, however, beautiful a granite top might be, it would not be a welcome item in our houses if it is a health hazard. In recent years, you must have heard several allegations that the granite radiates radon that can cause cancer. But, recent researches have shown that there is no such health threat at all. So, now you have reasons enough to radiate some smiles from your face.
In recent times, allegations were made that granite radiate a hazardous amount of radon. Now, medical science believes this gas to be one of the major reasons for the lung cancer. However, the threat increases because of the fact that the radioactive gas can not be smelt, seen or tasted. So, it is very difficult to identify the amount of radon radiated by the granite. But, the threat was a dangerous one. According to reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, this gas causes death to twenty thousand people every year. This naturally made the people skeptical about the use of granite.
However, the intensity of the threat of radon is dependent on the amount of the gas present in the air. This measurement unit of radon in the air is pCi/L or picoCuries per liter of air. The studies conducted by the EPA shows that the at least 4 pCi/L is required for the radon to be a serious threat to the health. Anything less than that level is certainly ignorable. In fact, the opinions of the experts differ regarding the amount of risk that this amount of radon poses. The reports by the New York Times claim that the 4 pCi/L of radon is as dangerous as smoking half a pack of cigarette every day.
However, coming back to granite, few experts have earlier pointed out that the granites emit a serious amount of radon. Recent scientific researches however have nullified the concept. New York Times too, reiterated the same concept. They have sited the researches done by the Marble Institute of America that clearly established that the allegations are ‘ludicrous’. Though granite does posses a certain amount of radioactive materials like uranium, potassium and thorium; they are not present in such an amount so as to pose any practical threat to the users.
The health experts have agreed to the point that the granite countertops emit radon but they claim that the radiation level is extremely low, reaching nowhere near the threat level. They say that the radiations from space and the core of the earth are far greater a threat than this, let on the extremely dangerous radiations from the artificial sources like the luminous watches, X-rays and smoke detectors.
The minimum radon that the granite countertops emit can be negated with a kitchen that has enough supply of fresh water. This will reduce the amount of radon in the kitchen. However, the EPA claims that the amount of radon radiation varies according to different colors. They are offering different easy to use kits to test the radiation of the granite.
In recent times, allegations were made that granite radiate a hazardous amount of radon. Now, medical science believes this gas to be one of the major reasons for the lung cancer. However, the threat increases because of the fact that the radioactive gas can not be smelt, seen or tasted. So, it is very difficult to identify the amount of radon radiated by the granite. But, the threat was a dangerous one. According to reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, this gas causes death to twenty thousand people every year. This naturally made the people skeptical about the use of granite.
However, the intensity of the threat of radon is dependent on the amount of the gas present in the air. This measurement unit of radon in the air is pCi/L or picoCuries per liter of air. The studies conducted by the EPA shows that the at least 4 pCi/L is required for the radon to be a serious threat to the health. Anything less than that level is certainly ignorable. In fact, the opinions of the experts differ regarding the amount of risk that this amount of radon poses. The reports by the New York Times claim that the 4 pCi/L of radon is as dangerous as smoking half a pack of cigarette every day.
However, coming back to granite, few experts have earlier pointed out that the granites emit a serious amount of radon. Recent scientific researches however have nullified the concept. New York Times too, reiterated the same concept. They have sited the researches done by the Marble Institute of America that clearly established that the allegations are ‘ludicrous’. Though granite does posses a certain amount of radioactive materials like uranium, potassium and thorium; they are not present in such an amount so as to pose any practical threat to the users.
The health experts have agreed to the point that the granite countertops emit radon but they claim that the radiation level is extremely low, reaching nowhere near the threat level. They say that the radiations from space and the core of the earth are far greater a threat than this, let on the extremely dangerous radiations from the artificial sources like the luminous watches, X-rays and smoke detectors.
The minimum radon that the granite countertops emit can be negated with a kitchen that has enough supply of fresh water. This will reduce the amount of radon in the kitchen. However, the EPA claims that the amount of radon radiation varies according to different colors. They are offering different easy to use kits to test the radiation of the granite.
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.
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.
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