Is Granite Causing Health Issues

On one side is that dangerously high levels have been found in some countertops while arguments on the other claim that the amount of radon emitted is very small relative to radon that may occur in homes otherwise.

Is granite causing health issues.

Whether granite countertops could cause lung cancer due to the emission of radon gas has been a matter of some debate. The national occupational safety and health administration osha is using the studies that indicate a silica cancer link as it develops new worker safety standards for the granite industry and other occupations said william perry deputy director for health standards at osha. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths in the u s. Granite countertops have been one of the more popular options for kitchens in the last 10 to 15 years.

Critics say that the amount of radon gas emitted by granite countertops is insignificant and is not capable of causing any health problems or damage. Granite countertops pose health risks the health wyze report front page. Countertops that are made from granite may actually be causing health problems as a result of radiation and radon gas exposure. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non smokers.

However the safe level of radon exposure is not yet known to man. Neglecting this fact is quite difficult. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family s health. Radon originating from the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials.

Vermont uses the federal osha standards for its workplace safety rules. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in america and. In july 2008 the new york times published an article that raised public concern over potential health hazards of living around granite countertops and floors. But granite isn t always the best material out there for the job.

Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns has few seams and creates a beautiful substantial look in the kitchen.