Friday, February 20, 2009

Does Granite Countertops Emit Radiation?

Quartz Countertops

I recently read about an interesting article in the NY Times, about the unusually high radiation found in one home. Dr. Lynn Sugarman, a NJ resident bought her summer home in Lake George NY, where a routine inspection revealed a high presence of radon, a radioactive substance that can cause lung cancer.

The high levels traced back to the kitchen countertops. While most observers believe that the rate of emitting radiation of granite countertops to be minuscule, a number of customers may not want to chance even a small probability. The NY Times article goes on to give other examples and said that The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day.

This argument of high radiation has often been made by rival quartz countertop manufacturers, but now there is a growing chorus. With increasing regularity in recent months, the Environmental Protection Agency has been receiving calls from radon inspectors as well as from concerned homeowners about granite countertops with radiation measurements several times above background levels.

What are the other countertop materials available?

Quartz Countertops is a viable alternative. For example, CaesarStone (Comprised of 93% natural quartz) Quartz Surfaces and Countertops offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable, and practical countertop surfacing material than either granite or marble. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant!

For more information about Caesararstone, please visit www.caesarstoneus.com

Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?ex=1374638400&en=60959de77427e35c&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

The high levels traced back to the kitchen countertops. While most observers believe that the rate of emitting radiation of granite countertops to be minuscule, a number of customers may not want to chance even a small probability.