They have been raised periodically mostly by manufacturers and distributors of competing countertop materials as well as the manufacturers of radon detection devices.
Can granite countertops be radioactive.
Can granite countertops be radioactive.
Radon released from granite building materials can be released over the lifetime of use but typically will be diluted by ventilation.
Can i test my granite countertops for radiation.
Inhaling the accumulated radon could give rise to small degree of radiation.
It is relieving to hear that the radioactive levels in granite and marble are too small to be of any concern but all construction materials in general emit a small amount of radon gas which is radioactive and can easily accumulate in poorly ventilated buildings.
The lowdown on granite radiation.
But the extent and significance of the problem is unknown.
After all there are always exceptions to the rule.
The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
In july 2008 news articles appearing in the new york times and the houston chronicle cast light upon a household toxin.
It does pay to find out for sure if there are harmful levels of radioactive elements in your granite countertops.
In addition to radon naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can emit small amounts of beta and gamma radiation.
However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home.
At this time a generally accepted radiation testing protocol for countertops does not exist and neither imported nor domestic granite products require radiation testing.
Radiation from granite countertops.
Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation.
However allegations that granite countertops are radioactive and can emit radon gas are not new.
Some granite countertops may emit radon.
Assuming a relatively tight house with an air change rate of 0 5 per hour h 1 and using average measured dose rates from granite countertop slabs the estimated radon concentration in kitchen air would be.