Granite countertops bad for your health?

Having grown up in New Hampshire, this has been a topic for much of my childhood and young adulthood. There is a wide misconception about granite. Granite itself doesn't produce Radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless natural radioactive gas that is formed by the decay of Radium. It is prone to all areas of the world. Lands which have a high concentration of rock in the ground are more likely to release this gas. This high concentration of rock, simply allows the natural gas to escape, through cracks and crevices. Depending on the porosity of the rock, some formations may trap more (or less) gas than others. Many of the older homes in New England had simple basements that were 'cut' out of the granite (or 'ledge'). This set up a problem with Radon being emitted into a confined area below the home, which could readily exist in the home as well. Newer style footings and foundations greatly reduce the risk of the gas entering into your basement, but it still poses a potential threat. There are several 'venting designs' on the market, to help improve adequate air flow. As for finished granite products...once the granite has been cut, processed, shipped, stacked, delivered and installed, any trace amounts of Radon have been reduced to minute levels, if any at all. Kitchens (and baths) are prone to higher readings due to plumbing installations that penetrate the floor or slab, allowing the gas to enter more easily. If you live in an area that has higher than normal amounts of Radon, by all means have your house tested. But, your focus needs to be on the land that your house is built on, not on those beautiful countertops!

---If you wish to improve, you must be content with being thought foolish and stupid.