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Our inspections meet IEC 61526 standards for radiation protection survey testing. We have scanned about 1000 slabs of granite since. Most of those slabs emitted very little radiation. However, a small percentage emitted gamma radiation at many times background. Some of those stones contained as much uranium as uranium ore. Given a choice, most homeowners would not opt for uranium ore in their kitchens. Many granite showrooms do not give their customers the option of making that choice. 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. Radioactivity in Granite: It’s NaturalAll 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 AskedQuestions and the AnswersQ. What is radiation? 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 . "It makes sense. If you can choose another counter that doesn't elevate your risk, however slightly, why wouldn't you get a test performed?" Order an inspection today... Our testing equipment gives same days results starting @ $345.00, NO WAITING call 425.608.9553 Granite Slabs Styles: Golden Oak
New Venetian Gold
Verde Peacock
Verde Gloria
Mascarello
Santa Cecilia
Thunderball
Juparano=a Florence Classico
Blue Bahia
Bianco Romamo
Verde San Fransico
Giallo Antico
Blue Pearl
Persia Blue
Viora
Tropical Green
Arandis Light
Baltic Brown
Tropic Brown
Giallo Fiorito
Dark Emperador
Gold Leaf
Key West
Uba Tuba
Tobacco
Yellow River
Sapphire Brown
Tan Brown
New Caledonia
Giallo Ornamental
Paladio
Volga Blue
Wild West
Water Fall Green
Antique Brown
Crema Bordeaux
Madura Gold
Persia Light
Yellow Portofino
Tunis Green
Juparana Fanstastico
Luna Pearl
Golden Queen
Madury Gold
Verde Butterfly
Brazillian Black
Dakota Mahogany
Black Galaxy
Ocean Fantasy
Crema Bordeaux Dark
Amber Fanstasy
Emerald Pearl
Verde Marinace
Millenium Dream
Jerusalem Gold
Kashmere Gold
JuparanaCasablanca
Wave
Verde Agate
Silver & Gold
Impala Black
Lapidus
Giallo Venetiano
Cafe Imperial
Crema Delicatus
Delicatus
Giallo Veneciano
Costa Emeraldo
Amber Fanstasy
Lapidor
Absolute Black
Delicatus
Giano Beach
Typhoon Gold
Juparana Bordeaux
Tropical Brown
Golden Lumiere
Absolute Black Indian
Yellow Beach
Matrix Brushed
Giallo Vinenza
Perano Gold
Red Dragon
Yellow River #2
Santa Cecelia # 2
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