[et_pb_section][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”0|” padding_mobile=”on” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_post_title admin_label=”Post Title” title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” featured_placement=”below” parallax_effect=”on” parallax_method=”on” text_orientation=”left” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” title_all_caps=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0||0|” custom_padding=”0||0|” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0|||” custom_padding=”0|||”] [shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”21407147″] For years there have been rumors about the health risks associated with the installation of granite countertops in the home with claims of radioactivity and radon being abundant. However, scientific research has shown that these claims are only rumors, possibly perpetuated by others selling countertops that are not made of natural stone, although that is another rumor in itself.

The reality is that there has been a lot of research based on this supposed phenomenon and there has been no proof that radon or any other type of radioactivity pose a threat to owners of granite countertops. Some skeptics have pointed to images of a Geiger counter allegedly detecting radon in the countertops, but while a Geiger counter can indicate the presence of radioactive materials, its signals cannot isolate the exact type of radiation.

Radiation is present in many items in the home including glow-in-the-dark clocks, smoke detectors and television sets. Its presence is in such small amounts that it is not considered to pose any health threat. Similarly, radon is a naturally occurring element that is often found in the soil and in rocks under some homes. In rare instances it can accumulate in basements of homes and can be eliminated simply by providing adequate ventilation. There has been no indication that homes with stone countertops are more susceptible to the appearance or accumulation of radon gas.

Radon itself is found in the Earth’s atmosphere. Outdoors radon quickly dissipates into the atmosphere, and when it does accumulate in a dwelling, improving ventilation will eliminate it. The known danger of radon is that it has been linked to lung cancer following extended exposure to concentrated levels in a closed environment.

Research and scientific testing has shown there is no basis for the rumors concerning radon and radioactivity emanating from granite countertops. Even when radioactivity is detected in natural stones, the amount is considered too insignificant to cause any health worries. Thousands of homes have installed granite, marble and other natural stone countertops and to date there has been no reports of illnesses blamed on radioactivity or radon brought into the home by those stones.

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