Radon released from granite building materials can be released over the lifetime of use but typically will be diluted by ventilation.
Can granite cause cancer.
If present uranium thorium or radium will decay into radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas that may cause lung cancer.
Granite countertops are prized for their durability and beautiful appearance but they can give off radon gas that could potentially be higher than the levels considered safe.
This allegation has been mostly made by competing countertop material distributors.
At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation especially the gas radon which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Radon is a cancer causing natural radioactive gas that you can t see smell or taste the environmental.
For more information on the classification systems used by these agencies see known and probable human carcinogens.
But marble manufacturers say flat out that radiation in granite is not dangerous.
On one side is that dangerously high levels have been found in some countertops while arguments on the other claim that the amount of radon emitted is very small relative to radon that may occur in homes otherwise.
But can a granite countertop emit enough radiation to pose a health risk.
Granite countertops emit an insignificant amount of radon gas that is not high enough to cause cancer or any other serious health issues.
Not really says mike brennan a radiation health physicist with the washington state department of health in olympia.
The epa lists radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer among non smokers estimating it is responsible for about 20 000 lung cancer deaths every year.
In addition to radon naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can.
And radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.
Concern has been raised over the levels of radon gas emitted by granite and its potential harm to homeowners with.
Whether granite countertops could cause lung cancer due to the emission of radon gas has been a matter of some debate.
Research reveals that some granite countertops release radon gas which has left homeowners worried.
Radon gas is a radioactive element and is a leading cause for lung cancer.
Granite is an increasingly popular choice for countertops due to its classy yet natural look as well as its durability.
The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
