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Granite and Radon Information

Over the past few years there has been some consumer confusion about rumored radiation levels occurring in natural granites used for residential countertops, floors, tiles, etc. Unfortunately, the origin of these concerns are advertisements and other communications from the manufacturers of radon detection devices and the producers of competing materials. Levels of radiation from granite products, which technically are measurable, are in fact, small fractional values of established thresholds for environmental safety. The truth of the matter is that granite is a safe product. It’s been used for thousands of years and the relationship between granite and radon has been studied for years and years. How safe is granite? There have been mathematical models developed that show that one could live in an all-granite home or building, including sleeping on granite, for an entire year and still be within very safe levels of exposure. Nonetheless, the Marble Institute of America has produced this brochure to help you understand granites, radioactivity and natural stone.

Granite Radon Testing

Radioactivity in Granite: It’s Natural

All rocks have a small amount of radioactivity in them due to the presence of minerals that contain radioactive elements uranium (U), thorium (Th) and potassium-40 (40K). Because granite typically contains more of these elements than most other rocks, it will be more radioactive than a slate or marble. All of the minerals in granite contain some radioelements; the white or pink feldspars contain 40K, the black biotites and horn-blendes contain 40K, U and Th, and the small inclusions of minerals such as zircon, apatite, sphene, etc. contain the most U and Th.

Some Frequently Asked

Questions and the Answers

A. Radiation is energy that is transported as waves or particles. This includes visible light, infrared, ultraviolet and microwaves.

Q. What are the sources of nuclear radiation?

A. There are natural and man-made forms of radiation. Natural radiation includes cosmic radiation and emissions from radioactive elements in the earth, radon gas in your home, some foods and well water. Man-made radiation comes from dental x-rays, medical diagnostics and treatment, the remains of nuclear bomb testing, emissions from nuclear reactors, radioactive elements in drywall and concrete and cigarette smoke. 

The granite, it turned out, contained high levels of uranium, which is radioactive and releases radon gas as it decays. "The health risk to me and my family was probably small, but I felt it was an unnecessary risk,"

More info..... Watch the CBS News Video here .  Read the NY Time article here . Read the Seattle Times article here .

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