Questions and Answers about the Safety of Granite Countertops

Are granite countertops safe?
Yes. Current concerns about the safety of granite countertops are being fueled by recent news media reports, which are unnecessarily alarming and misleading consumers about the safety of using granite in their homes. These reports are trying to scare you away from buying granite countertops because some granite samples emit very low levels of radon gas. This issue has been repeatedly studied by scientists and researchers. The study findings have been consistent – radon emissions from granite countertops are not a health risk.

What is radon gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found throughout the environment. However, it is a gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.

How dangerous is radon?
Radon is radioactive and prolonged exposure at elevated levels in a closed environment may increase health risks. Many of us have radon gas in our homes. However, radon is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the primary source of radon – by far – in any home is the soil surrounding it. If a home is properly ventilated radon concentrations drop to those commonly found outdoors. According to the government, such environmental exposure is safe.

Why does granite emit radon?
Some, but not all, granite samples emit low levels of radon gas. The gas is present in some granite samples because granite can contains trace amounts of uranium. When uranium decays, it produces radon. Many types of granite do not emit radon at all.

Are these emissions a risk to my health?
Studies repeatedly show granite countertops pose NO health risk to you. Repeated independent research and research by the natural stone industries show granite countertops pose no health threat to you. Scientific studies conducted through the years have found it is extremely unlikely the granite you select is emitting harmful levels of radon. Compared to other radiation sources in the home and outside, the risk to you from radioactivity or radon gas emitted from a granite countertop or tiles is practically non-existent.

Should I test the granite in my home for radon emissions?
We do not believe it is necessary for you to test the granite in your home. However, if testing will help reassure you the granite in your home is safe, we recommend several ways to do so:

• You can contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists as www.aarst.org to find a professional in your area. Tests costs $100 to $300.
• Information how to test for radon in your home and on certified technicians and do-it-yourself radon testing kits is available from the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at www.epa.gov/radon, as well as from state or regional indoor air environment offices, which can be found at www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html.
• Kits that test for radon, but not radiation, can be purchased at hardware stores and online. Typically, they cost between $20-30.

Do you stand behind the safety of the products we buy from you?
We have always stood behind the safety and quality of our natural stone products, especially granite. You probably chose to have granite countertops in your home because they make your kitchen beautiful, they’re practical and you know they’ll last for decades. Be reassured your granite countertops are every bit as safe as they are beautiful, practical and durable.

Why are we suddenly hearing about this issue in the news media? Why would the media say that granite countertops are not safe, if it isn’t true?
We know most of the recent news media coverage has been placed by the manufacturers of engineered stone countertops as part of a large promotion campaign for their products. They want you to be confused and concerned about using granite countertops. Their goal is to discredit the natural stone industry so you will buy their products.

Why should I believe a word you say? You want to sell me a granite countertop.
We won’t deny we’d love to sell you a granite countertop, but we would not sell you anything unless we were sure the product is safe for you and your family.