Impurities in some granite countertops radioactive
Some granite countertops - mostly from Brazil and Namibia - emit radon, and calls to EPA on matter are increasing. Trade group says that amounts of uranium, thorium, potassium don't pose health threat; EPA recommends taking action if levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter of air - about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day. to find a radon inspector, click 'See also.'
The New York Times 2008-07-24
Categories: Appliances, BUSINESS, KITCHENS & DINING ROOMS, Retail
Index: American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, David J. Brenner, EPA, Ernest P. Chiodo, Geiger counter, granite countertops, Indoor Environments Division, Jim Hogan, Lou Witt, Lynn Sugarman, Marble Institute of America, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, radon, Rice University, Suzanne Zick, Teaneck, uranium, William J. Llope, www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html, www.epa.gov/radon