Dear client,
There has been quite a buzz about the potential emission of radon gas from granite countertops.  The EPA has been and continues to conduct studies on this issue.  I have included a list of commonly asked questions with responses that the EPA has put together.

“Has EPA done studies on radon in granite countertops?

We are aware of a few studies that have conducted limited research on radon in granite countertops. EPA will continue to review this research. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested for radon in indoor air.

Are the levels of radon in granite dangerous to humans or animals?

While radon levels attributable to granite are not typically high, there are simply too many variables to generalize about the potential health risks inside a particular home that has granite countertops. It is prudent to limit your family’s exposure to radon whenever possible.  EPA recommends that indoor air have a radon level as far below 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air as possible. There are easy ways to test the air in your home for radon, and high radon levels can be reduced with proven and inexpensive technology.  EPA believes the most significant source of radon risk is soil gas.  Regardless of source, all homes should be tested for radon.

While natural rocks such as granite may emit radon gas, the levels of radon attributable to such sources are not typically high. EPA believes the principal source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process. To reduce radon risk you should first test the air in your home to determine the radon level.

If your home has a high radon level, a level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more, there are ways to mitigate or reduce the radon level in almost any home. Contact your state radon office (www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html) just click on your state, or a professional radon testing and mitigation firm (www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html) for assistance.  A specially-trained and qualified professional may be equipped to test for lesser sources (such as granite or diffusion from drinking water) when evaluating the nature and source of your home’s radon problem.  The key to reducing risk is to test your home for radon and then make decisions as appropriate.

Learn more about radon, read the Citizen’s Guide at www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html.

Does the EPA believe there is a danger of radon gas or associated radiation being emitted from granite countertops?

Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock, meaning that it was formed by the cooling of molten rock.  It is quarried and processed to produce commercial products such as countertops. It is possible for any granite sample to contain varying concentrations of uranium that can produce radon gas, a source of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels.  At this time, however, EPA does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels. Some granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels.  While radiation levels are not typically high, measurement of specific samples may reveal higher than expected levels on a case-by-case basis.

Does the EPA have plans to conduct a study on radon in granite countertops?

EPA will continue to monitor and analyze the evolving research on this issue and will update its recommendations as appropriate.”

The bottom line is the EPA recommends that we test all houses for radon (regardless of type of countertops) and they will continue to study this issue.  Clear Choice Home Inspections will keep you informed of any significant updates and as always, we will continue to offer radon testing as one of our services.  Feel free to call if you have questions and you may forward this email to your associates.