Does granite emit radon?

Question

I heard granite, used in countertops emits small amounts of radon...is this true?

Answer 1

yes, it can.

But since countertops are in such an "open" area, it gets blown away, so you don't have to worry about it.

The problem with radon is that it can collect in the crawl space under your house, or in your basement.  It is not really "deadly", but some people have linked it with cancer.

Radon is not a problem in the above-ground, "open" floors of your house.  Every time you open the door, some air gets exchanged, and the radon gets blown outside.

Radon is a gas.  So if you keep the ventilation to your crawl space or basement open and functioning, the radon will get "cleaned out" along with the stale air, and you have no problem.  if you have your furnace in your basement, the cycling of air through the furnace will keep things cleaned out.

Answer 2

Granite does emit radon, however the amount that a granite counter top will give off is tiny, unmeasurable.  I have heard of cases where unscrupulous stone dealers have sold stone for counter tops that were "hot" meaning a very high amount of uranium in them.  This is a non issue if you buy from a reputable source, this goes for about anything for that matter.

Answer 3

See

http://www.marble-institute.com/industry...

And search for granite and radon , there are lots of sites discussing this item.

Answer 4

A typical granite will have around 5 ppm Uranium and Thorium. This is a very small amount. These elements decay and emit radon at a very slow rate.