Radon is a naturally occurring gas in the environment. It is in the air we breath, both outside and indoors. It is in the water we drink. It is in the dirt and rock we stand on. Radium, which is produced by decaying matter, is the source of radon gas. This is present in many building materials such as concrete, brick, gypsum, and natural stone. It is commonly found in basements of homes built in the east and midwest. Soil is the primary source of radon gas. Radon is radioactive. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations can cause increased health risks. The EPA has set safe levels for indoor area quailty, an action level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi L). The average radon levels in an United States home is 1.3 pCi L. The long term goal of the United States government is that indoor radon levels to be no more than outdoor levels of 0.4 pCi L. The most effective remedy for radon in your home is increased ventilation, especially in enclosed areas.
Radon and Natural Stone Counter Tops?
Graph from Environmental Health and Engineering, "Natural Stone Countertops and Radon".
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/countertops_radon_wp.pdf
Average radon emissions from natural stone is approximately:
- 300 times lower than levels of radon in outdoor air
- 1,000 times below the average concentration of radon found in U.S. homes
- 3,000 times less than the action level for indoor air recommended by the EPA
Natural stone counter tops are a popular throughout the United States. A variety type of stones are used ranging from granite to marble. All natural stones are composed of several major minerals, a minor one being Radium. As discussed above, radon is produce from radium.
Several scientific studies have found that it is extremely unlikely to have harmful levels of radon emitted from natural stone counter tops.
A wonderful source of information on Radon and Granite:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
