Radon in Granite Countertops?

Have you heard about this issue? One of my favorite home inspectors sent me an email about the subject and I thought that all of you would want to know about it too!

Evidently, granite counter-tops have the potential to be the source of elevated radon levels. Some home-buyers and homeowners, who have heard this story, are concerned about possible health hazards for their families. But what is the real risk?

Granite is a natural mineral that is mined and used to produce various building products, such as counter-tops. Granite may contain varying concentrations of uranium, which produces radon gas, and therefore may contribute to indoor radon levels. However, past studies indicated that radon levels that can be attributed to such sources are not typically high.

The principal source of radon in homes is still thought to be radon gas that is drawn indoors from soils surrounding a home through a natural process. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon in the air. However, testing a specific product such as a granite counter-top, requires a different type of testing by a specially trained professional.

Radon and Radon testing is mentioned specifically in the NC Offer to Purchase and Contract!

Common Radon Screening Devices

Learn more about radon by reading the EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon at www.epa.gov. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) has also addressed the issue in its Position Statement on Granite Counter-tops and Radon Gas (hps.org).

Have you ran into a situation involving radon and granite counter-tops?