Mason,

I have read and seen a lot in the media recently about the dangers of radiation from granite countertops.  I have always thought that stone tops would be a great improvement to my own kitchen, but now I am concerned.  What do you think?

Lisa C., Richmond, VA

Lisa,

I recall way-back-when, we made fun of the saccharin / cancer scare.  How many pounds of sweetener could one possibly gorge a lab rat with, and did that have anything to do with our own use?

Well, I have not dedicated years of my life to the type of scientific research that generates these assertions, so my opinion is based on staying in touch and being informed by greater experts. 

There is some indication that there may be rare types of granites from certain quarries around the world that emit radiation or radon gas beyond the EPA-recommended "take action" levels.  However, the July 24^th New York Times piece that publicized this information, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1  is peppered with expert assertions maintaining that the vast majority of granite materials are either "safe" or emitting levels of radiation that are "insignificant compared with so-called background radiation that is constantly raining down from outer space or seeping up from the earth's crust, not to mention emanating from manmade sources like X-rays, luminous watches and smoke detectors".  Regardless, the prominence of this article regarding an extremely popular item in many homes has stirred quite a scare.  Several of the morning TV news shows have picked up on the story and run further.

Here in Richmond, regional architectural stone experts at Charles Luck have responded.  Luck Stone Center President Mark Fernandes notes a recent independent study engaged by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) wherein the final assertion included "We find that granite countertops are perfectly safe.  We've tested approximately 70 samples and are not finding any elevated concentrations."

Check out the MIA Video--"The Truth About Granite and Radon/Radiation"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XTSdRn-WbQ

The MIA claims that all of this hype originated from the competing synthetic stone industry. 

The benefit of this media coverage, perhaps, is that the MIA, together with the Environmental Protection Agency is developing a protocol for testing of slabs and establishment of standards to protect consumers from granite which might pose some elevated health risk.  In the interim, those with concern about their stone tops may have their tops independently tested for about $100 - 300 by a certified technician, or even DIY with a $20 - $30 radon test kit available at hardware stores, according to the New York Times article.

What I do know from personal experience, is that natural stone is a uniquely beautiful and uncommonly durable building material.  I have it throughout my own home and recommend it regularly as product of choice.

We all certainly endure many health risks - some known and some unknown.  One cannot argue against the sensibility of understanding those risks and mitigating or balancing them against whatever benefits we may otherwise enjoy.

Mason

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