Is Granite Causing Health Issues

Countertops that are made from granite may actually be causing health problems as a result of radiation and radon gas exposure.

Is granite causing health issues.

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. Vermont uses the federal osha standards for its workplace safety rules. Radon originating from the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. However the safe level of radon exposure is not yet known to man.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in america and. Granite countertops have been one of the more popular options for kitchens in the last 10 to 15 years. 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 the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths in the u s. The national occupational safety and health administration osha is using the studies that indicate a silica cancer link as it develops new worker safety standards for the granite industry and other occupations said william perry deputy director for health standards at osha. Neglecting this fact is quite difficult. Granite countertops pose health risks the health wyze report front page.

Critics say that the amount of radon gas emitted by granite countertops is insignificant and is not capable of causing any health problems or damage. In july 2008 the new york times published an article that raised public concern over potential health hazards of living around granite countertops and floors. At issue is whether granite emits dangerous amounts of radon a colorless and odorless gas that is known to cause lung cancer. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family s health.

Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns has few seams and creates a beautiful substantial look in the kitchen.