Oct 9, 2008 6:09 pm US/Eastern
Granite Countertops May Contain Deadly Radon Gas
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Some scientists say granite countertops might contain high levels of deadly radon gas.
WBZ
Whether you are in the market for a new home or a new kitchen, it seems everyone wants granite countertops.
The shiny stone has become the standard of high-end developments and even middle-class neighborhoods.
Just ask granite dealer Carols Perez. "We consume more granite here in the United States than anyone else in the world," he said.
But now some scientists say those countertops might contain high levels of deadly radon gas. "Radon contains uranium; as the uranium decays, it forms radon which is a gas," explained University of Miami scientist
Dr. James Englehardt.
Scientists know long-term radon exposure can cause lung cancer and that children are especially vulnerable. A recent
New York Times article told the story of one family that had to remove the granite from their kitchen because of deadly radon levels.
Clint Davis of Clean Air Technology points out that while it's theoretically possible for granite to contain excessive amounts of
radon; your basement is much more likely to cause a problem. Davis says radon gas can seep through the foundation. "It can come from the original soil; it can also be in the aggregate of the concrete," he explained.
The
Marble Institute of America says granite is perfectly safe. A statement on the organization's Web site says: The highest emission rates ever reported in scientific literature result in concentrations that are hundreds or even thousands of times lower than the EPA's guidelines.
The EPA recommends testing every home when it is sold or after a major renovation that would disrupt the foundation.
To test your home for radon, you can buy a home test kit or order one online. You can also hire a professional. If you do get a high reading there are specialized venting systems that can reduce the gas to a safe level.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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