Radon and Granite Countertops?

I’ve received lots of questions recently on this blog and my home improvement blog about whether granite countertops emit radon gas. First of all let me say that I’m by no means an expert and my opinion is just that, an opinion.

Having said that it appears there are two camps out there with opposite views. Some activists say that granite countertops can emit up to 100 picocuries per liter which is well above the FDA recommended level of 4 pCi/L. However, according to A Rational Discussion On Radon in Granite Countertops a vast majority of granite countertops emit no or very little radon. So the real question is should you go out and replace your beautiful, expensive granite countertops? I say hold on a minute and think about this issue.

First of all let me say that I’m a cancer survivor and I’d say I’m very aggresive at avoiding cancer causing exposures. However, I skeptical at best about radon exposure from granite countertops.

My opinion is fairly straightforward. First of all most radon problems occur in basements of homes because there is poor ventilation. Typically home owners install granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms where ventilation is much better. Secondly, I find it hard to believe that the small volume of granite countertop in a home can produce a significant amount of radon. I found the following quote to be quite informative and inline with my feelings about the subject.

“A considerable amount of research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature and all of it comes to the same conclusion: the levels of radon coming off a granite countertop are not excessive and not showing any risk for the population in their homes. To properly measure radon, one must calculate the emission rate in connection with the volume of air in the home. Much like paint fumes do, radon generally dilutes harmlessly into a home’s air. To get even close to the type of dangerous levels of radon exposure that’s been reported in news articles recently, a consumer would have to completely seal off the room, stay in that room 24/7 – for 72 years.”

- Dr. John McCarthy
President, Environmental Health & Engineering

Now, having said all of this I believe there is really only one way to be sure and feel safe for your family and loved ones. If you’re at all worried about radon exposure then you need to get the air in your home tested. Testing your homes air for radon is very easy to do. You can even test the air for radon with a do-it-yourself kit like this one, Professional Radon Gas Dual Canister Test Kit, sold at Amazon.

I’d love to hear other people’s take on this interesting issue. Obviously with the increased popularity of granite countertops this is sure to be an important issue for some time.