by KYW's Pat Loeb
Concern is growing about a possible health threat from granite countertops. Granite contains radioactive elements, and some homeowners are finding that their high-end kitchens have unhealhty levels of radon gas.
Radon causes cancer, and homeowners have been aware for decades of the potential danger of radon in basements, where it seeps in from decaying uranium underground.
But some homeowners have found elevated levels in their kitchens, apparently emanating from granite countertops.
Stanley Leibert is quality assurance director at CMT Labs of Clifton Park, NY, which tests for radon. He's found radon readings from granite countertops that are 25 times higher than what's considered safe:
"We're not only looking at the radon that's coming out of it, but to a woman that's recently pregnant we're getting gamma radiation out of it that really has a direct impact on the fetus development."
Liebert stresses that not all granite is dangerous.
The Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners should probably take action if radon gas readings are higher than four picocuries. That's about the same cancer risk as half a pack of cigarettes a day.
Radon testing kits are widely available online and in hardware stores.
The Marble Institute, which represents granite suppliers, disagrees with Liebert's analysis. It says that years of scientific research has concluded that the amount of radiation in granite countertops is so tiny, it is perfectly safe in homes.
(Graphic by KYW's Ed Fischer)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
