Health Risk of Granite Countertops

Over the years, the types of countertops that people use in their kitchens have varied. Kitchen countertops can consist of limestone, laminate, stainless steel, marble, corian and cement. Another popular style is granite.

Identification

• Granite countertops consist of a natural stone. The stone is extremely durable, resistant to heat and difficult to scratch.

Warning

• Although granite is beautiful it does contain some radioactive materials. Granite contains uranium, potassium and thorium.

Effects

• Elevated levels of radon can cause lung cancer. It is difficult to detect radon without the help of a professional because you cannot smell, taste or see the gas.

Considerations

• According to CBS News, some granite countertop colors pose more risk than others. Red, pink and purple granite countertops are potentially more troublesome. It's true that granite countertops emit radiation and radon at low levels. However, CBS News states that the emissions are not significant enough to cause any alarm. It is still safer to test the granite.

Prevention

• Individuals that have health concerns over their granite countertops can take some precaution. The best precaution is to test the countertops for the amounts of radon gas they emit. According to "The New York Times," the Marble Institute of America will develop a testing protocol for granite. This will ensure that granite countertops are not emitting high radiation levels.