Proactive Dangers Could Be In Your Kitchen

Some people have become very concerned about their granite countertops. E-mails have been circulating with warnings that they emit radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas concentrated in soil, water, and rock in various geographic areas. It can seep into the air we breath.

"Radon is a product of radioactivity and basically it all comes from uranium. Uranium decays and one of the products you get eventually is radon", said Professor Peter Orland, a physics professor at Baruch College in the Gramercy Park area of Manhattan.

Orland says as far as your granite countertops, "Most granite counters don't emit anymore than the concrete in our houses", he said, "or the soil under our houses. In most cases if someone is really concerned I'd first try to find out where the granite comes from.

"Unless it's from a place where there's a lot of uranium I don't think you have to worry.

"I wouldn't rip out your kitchen counters any time soon.

"I think the only time you would do it is if you actually did a test, you had somebody come over to inspect your apt for radon gas. Someone who's checking to see if you really do have radon. If you do, then you should try to find out what the source is.

"I think you usually find out from the place you bought it from, there's a quarry where all this granite comes from. The manufacturer of the counter top should be able to tell you where the granite comes from. Is that area know to be show high measurements of uranium.

How much is too much, if some is being emitted?

"I can't give a strict number," said Orland. "but I think if you don't send the geiger counter screaming, you probably don't have to worry. There's always some radioactive material wherever you are.

"I would say in most cases, don't worry about your countertops."

If your still concerned you can check air levels with a home test. They cost about $15.

Get information about tests and certified radon technicians in your area at the EPA's website,
www.epa.gov/radon.