If a person sat directly on a granite countertop and did not move for an entire year, the amount of radiation they would be exposed to would equal about a quarter of a person's annual average exposure to all types of radiation, including the sun, x-rays, and airplanes.
In addition to radon, naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can emit small amounts of beta and gamma radiation.
While granite and other decorative stone can contain some trace natural radioactivity, granite countertops are not considered to be a key contributor to radiation in the average home.
The Reality: Some granite countertops have been found to give off trace amounts of radon, and reporters cited a few kitchens with radon levels as high as 25 times the EPA's safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of air.
It is possible for any granite sample to contain varying concentrations of uranium and other naturally occurring radioactive elements. These elements can emit radiation and produce radon gas, a source of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays (see www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-terms-and-units).
All granite, and most earthen materials, contain trace amounts of uranium and radium, emit gamma radiation and release radon gas.
Radon is more commonly found where uranium is relatively abundant in bedrock at the surface, often in granite, shale, and limestone. The EPA produced a map of the US showing geographic variation in radon concentrations, divided into three levels of risk: low, medium, and high (Figure 10.21).
Although quartz countertops will have less to zero radon, it does not preclude granite as a “less safe” choice in kitchen countertops. Given the radiation naturally encountered through flying, walking around a city, and living your everyday life, it is not significant enough to discourage granite in the household.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says most granite countertops are safe, adding little to a house's radon level. It depends on the rock that is used, the agency says, recommending that homeowners concerned about radon get their countertops tested."
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other experts have consistently confirmed that granite is safe for indoor applications.
At this time, one generally accepted radiation testing protocol for countertops does not exist, and neither imported nor domestic granite products require radiation testing. Radiation concentrations can only be measured using multiple portable instruments or with laboratory equipment.
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials in newer homes. But did you know they can emit radon? It's a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of rocks and stones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Quartz and granite contain varying amounts of uranium, thorium, and potassium, which are naturally radioactive. Uranium and thorium decay to a radioactive gas, radon, which in turn decays to other radionuclides.
The fact is that all minerals and stones, including those found in most types of granite, are somewhat radioactive. In addition, many fertilizers and soils are also radioactive, as are the fruits and vegetables grown with those fertilizers and in those soils.
As a natural source of radiation, granite contains 10 to 20 parts per million of uranium (as opposed to something like limestone, which contains 1 to 5 parts per million of uranium).
Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz's durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility. Manufactured product: Although most of the materials in quartz tops are naturally occurring. The process of making them is not natural.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
So, between granite vs quartz, which should you choose? If you love the flaws of nature and want your countertops to look unique, then granite is the material for you. On the other hand, if you want your countertops to look flawless and match perfectly without any striations, then we suggest you go for quartz.
Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.
Because radon comes from rocks and soils, radon typically collects in rooms that are in contact with the ground, like basements.
DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges.
Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided. Frequent use of these chemicals will dull and weaken the sealant over time. Basically, the harsher the cleaner, the quicker it will break down the sealant.
Because granite tiles are heavy, some flooring may not hold their weight correctly, resulting in improper slopes. A one-square-foot granite floor tile with a depth of 0.75 inches may weigh roughly 12.8 pounds, while an average granite slab with a depth of 1.25 inches could weigh around 18 pounds.