Radon Found in Granite

Radon exposure is a serious health issue in the United States, and has recently gained much attention because of its correlation with both lung cancer and childhood leukemia. Perhaps your home has been tested for radon at some point and if so, that is a very good thing. But you may not be aware that certain building materials can release radon over time, resulting in a buildup and ultimately high concentrations of radon gas. Granite, in particular, has been implicated for its role in increased home radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas because it is a byproduct of the decay of certain minerals. We are all exposed to a small amount of radon daily; however, there is no safe level of radiation. Any amount poses some health risk. It is simply a matter of degrees. Less exposure equals less (not absent) health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 1 in 15 homes nationwide have elevated radon levels. Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted so the only way to determine your home’s radon level is to have it tested.

Elevated levels of radon gas are linked to serious health problems. In fact, exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the U.S. and could be responsible for as many as 20,000 deaths annually, according to the EPA. A recent study released by the National Institute of Health also demonstrates a link between high radon levels and increased incidence of childhood leukemia.

Every home, new or old, is susceptible to this problem regardless of geographic location. Radon comes primarily from soil and rocks as the minerals in them decay. The gas can then enter homes from the lowest levels, via cracks or gaps in the foundation or through crawlspaces. Once the gas gets inside of a home, it becomes trapped and builds up higher concentrations. Newer homes are particularly at risk, as improved insulation actually prevents the gas from escaping your home.

There is, however, another primary source of radon gas in homes and that is granite. Granite is known to contain small amounts of minerals such as uranium that release radon gas as a byproduct over time. Thus, granite countertops and floors could be a contributing cause of high household levels of radon. Although industry organizations such as the Marble Institute of America maintain that the amount of the gas released is negligible, many experts in the environmental building industry disagree and strongly recommend routine testing for all homes, and more frequent testing for homes with granite countertops or floors.

In order to determine if granite in your home is contributing to high levels of radon gas, you will have to have the air tested. There are many home testing kits available that are relatively inexpensive and simple to use. The most economical and simplest kind is a passive activated charcoal test. This test device is usually a simple bag or box that is filled with charcoal, and absorbs chemicals from the air. To use, you simply place the testing device in the lowest occupied area of your house and leave it there for the amount of time indicated by the manufacturer. After the test period is complete, you seal the device up according to the directions and mail it to a laboratory. You will receive test results within a week or two. Home radon testing kits can be purchased from some home inspection companies.

Another option is to invest in a radon detector. These devices operate in a similar fashion as a smoke detector; they require power to operate and give periodic readings of radon levels. Radon detectors are more expensive than their simpler counterparts, but do provide a consistent long-term picture of the level of radon in your home.

If you are buying or selling your home and would like a record of the results, or would prefer not to conduct the testing on your own, look into hiring a professional radon inspector. In order to be sure that you are using a qualified radon testing service you should contact your state radon office to inquire about license requirements for your state. There are also several independent organizations that certify radon testers. Although hiring a service is more expensive than testing yourself, you may find that it is worth the extra money for the increased peace of mind that you get.

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