Granite & Radon Granite is a term for several different classifications of igneous stones. Igneous stones are formed by the solidification of cooled molten rock. Many of these stones contain small amounts uranium or other minerals that emit particles over time. Some of these particles can be released in the form of radon gas. This natural occurring gas comes from many different sources, including drinking water, the air we breathe and the soil we stand on. Radon gas can be dangerous in very high concentrations but the amount of radon gas released by a granite countertop in most circumstances is less than one percent of that already present in the household air from other sources. Studies have concluded that the amount of radon you are exposed to from granite countertops is significantly less than the levels found in outside air, sometimes almost 270,000 times less. Please see the links below for more information. 2008 Study of Radon Levels in Granite Marble Institute of America – Granite & Radon MIA - Truth about Granite video Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists - Position Statement Environmental Health & Engineering – Radon Info Executive Summary – Assessing Exposure to Radon & Radiation from Granite Countertops Countertop Sanitation Today’s consumer is offered a wide range of surfacing materials for use in countertop applications. Once in service, these countertop surfaces will be exposed to a variety of contaminative substances. The key safety issue to the consumer is the degree of cleanability of the surface material, that is, how easily any contaminants can be removed using normal and reasonable cleaning practices. The following study by Dr. O. Peter Snyder, PhD, of the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management (www.hi-tm.com) used E. coli bacteria as its contaminating agent. The findings of the report show significant cleanability advantages of natural granite countertops over almost all other commonly found countertop surface materials. The study included 6 countertop surfaces which were washed and rinsed after exposure to the bacteria. They were later cleaned with a 10% solution of white household vinegar (1 part 5% vinegar, 9 parts water). Bacteria counts were taken after both cleaning methods. Granite Ranked 1st in Cleanability After washing and rinsing, the granite tops provided the greatest reduction in bacteria counts of all the countertop materials tested: Granite: 36,000 to 1 Stainless Steel: 4,000 to 1 Concrete: 2,400 to 1 Tile: 900 to 1 Wood: 500 to 1 Plastic Laminate: 285 to 1 When Vinegar Used: Granite 2nd Only to Stainless Steel Counts taken after the application of the dilute vinegar solution showed the granite having a bacteria count reduction second only to stainless steel, but 160 times better than the next closest material: Stainless Steel: 230,000,000 to 1 Granite: 80,000,000 to 1 Plastic Laminate: 500,000 to 1 Tile: 233,000 to 1 Concrete: 30,600 to 1 Wood: 2,000 to 1 Caution: The reader is cautioned that although vinegar was used as a disinfectant for the purpose of this test, there are some granite species that contain trace mineral groups which could be attacked by exposure to acidic solutions. Some sealers, impregnators, or other agents applied to the stone may also be subject to attack or discoloration from mild acids. Do not use vinegar as a cleaning agent without consulting your stone supplier as to the mineralogy of your particular granite as well as the compatibility of any sealer or impregnator that may have been applied to the stone. Vinegar should never be used on calcareous stones such as marble, limestone, or travertine. For further technical information on natural stone visit the Marble Institute of America. Download a PDF of Dr. Snyder’s report in its entirety.