Several years ago, a story surfaced about the possibility of toxic radon gas emitting from granite and the potential health effects (i.e. from lung cancer to possible miscarriages) it could produce. That one story alone sent many expectant moms, cancer patients and a list of others running in circles as they worried if their kitchen was now a danger zone that could threaten their health. With reasonable cause, anyone should be concerned about exposure to radon gas. But how far does this concern need to go when it comes to granite materials used in the kitchen? Good question.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was the first government agency to comment on the topic of these toxins, issuing this statement from their assessment:
“Any naturally formed rock material has the potential of containing varying amounts of naturally occurring radiation. Natural radioactive elements like uranium, radium, and thorium can be present in a wide number of minerals that appear as crystals in granite from around the world. So, it is not unusual for materials such as granite to have some amount of radioactivity (emissions of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays). Depending on the composition of the molten rock from which they formed, some pieces of granite can exhibit more radioactivity than others.
When present, certain radioactive elements in granite will decay into radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas which may be released from the granite over time. To learn more, visit the following link to view the diagram to see how radon gas emission is calculated, http://www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm/granite-countertops.html.” A follow-up report is expected later this year.
While granite has received negative reports from the press, by comparison, Sandstone likely emits more radon due to its porous nature. The best step to take, should you be concerned about radon gas levels in your home, is to have the air quality of your home tested.
Testing for radon in granite
There are many “Do-It-Yourself” off-the-shelf kits for testing radon in granite countertops. However, these DIY kits are inadequate for accurately determining the emission of radon. According to the EPA testing for the presence of radon gas emissions from granite requires sophisticated instruments or laboratory equipment for proper assessment.
Sandstone
According to the EPA, Sandstone is a much more porous product in comparison to granite and would be the greater cause for radon emission versus granite. Again, any testing would require the proper scientific instruments and professional assessment.
Radon emissions
The radon gas emissions from the soil under/around your home would more than likely be a culprit versus a granite countertop. There are DIY kits you can purchase to test the general air quality for such gasses. The EPA recommends the following contact information for purchasing radon testing kits: 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236).
Health risks from exposure to radon
According to the EPA, lung cancer from exposure to radon gas is the number one cause for non-smokers and the only known health risk.
Radon program in Virginia
Each state has their own “Radon Program” for their citizens. If you live in Virginia and have a concern about radon, the following person is the Radon contact throughout Virginia:
Ryan Paris Ryan.Paris@vdh.virginia.gov
General Number: (804) 864-8161
Fax: (804) 864-8165
General Number: (804) 864-8161
Fax: (804) 864-8165
Stay tuned this week to learn more about exposure to radon gas in the everyday products you use and come in contact with that contain radon toxins. You’ll be surprised where they reside.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Radon testing usually requires a professional evaluation.
Quick Tips for Wellness, Pat Ferguson, Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved
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