Granite Countertops and Radiation

There have been many reports recently about radiation in granite countertops, but the true health risks associated with granite may be overblown.

History

• Granite is formed when cooled volcanic magma solidifies over a period of thousands or even millions of years.

Features

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all natural rock material contains radiation. The radioactive minerals found in granite include thorium, uranium and radium.

Considerations

• As granite breaks down over time it releases radon gas, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas.

Effects

• According to a 2007 publication by the Marble Institute of America, the amounts of radiation and radon released by a typical granite countertop are negligible. The EPA concurs with this conclusion and does not consider granite countertops to be a health risk.

Potential

• The EPA warns that radon gas from the soil under and around your home is more likely to have health risks than granite, and urges the public to test the air in their home with a radon test kit.