Radon Emissions From Marble

The radon scare has been an on and off hot subject of contention for some time.

Radon emissions from marble.

It is a radioactive colorless odorless tasteless noble gas it occurs naturally in minute quantities as an intermediate step in the normal radioactive decay chains through which thorium and uranium slowly decay into lead and various other short lived radioactive elements. This means they will almost always over respond when attempting to measure the radon emissions. Radon emissions from granite countertops are low. Radon that originates in the soil is the main cause of radon problems the epa says.

Radon itself is the immediate decay product of radium. Ok so the risk from granite is minuscule but how common is radon in u s. Not all the radiation coming from the granite that makes the clicking sound comes from radon producing radium. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Although not specifically designed or intended for measuring radon emissions from countertops do it yourself test kits are available through retail outlets and on line starting at about 25. Man made radiation comes from dental x rays medical diagnostics and treatment the remains of nuclear bomb testing emissions from nuclear reactors radioactive elements in drywall and concrete. Homeowners with quartz countertops may or may not be aware of what radon is and how it can affect specific areas of a home but many new or older homes are often tested for it through a home inspector or individual home radon test kits to help alleviate the worries associated with it. Radon is a colorless odorless tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.

Radon is a chemical element with the symbol rn and atomic number 86. In fact up to 95 of the geiger. The marble institute of america has called upon several of the country s leading scientists in geology and geochemistry to assist in preparing a response to the allegations in these articles that radon gas emissions from granite countertops may be hazardous. In most cases the noise is produced by two other naturally occurring elements.

The epa says that approximately one of every 15 homes throughout the country whether new or old has elevated radon levels.