Are Granite Countertops Killing You?!?
July 24, 2008 by Admin · Leave a Comment
Yes, I know that they’re expensive, but killing your wallet is one thing. I’m talking about your health on this one! The NY Times posted an article today about granite countertops. In an era where everything we do and eat is potentially hazardous to our health, what’s one more household risk, right?
You see, Granite emits VERY MINOR levels of radiation. In a few rare cases granite emits higher than average levels, and the EPA is apparently seeing a rise in calls from home inspectors regarding the safety of our beloved counter finishes.
“It’s not that all granite is dangerous,” said Stanley Liebert, the
quality assurance director at CMT Laboratories in Clifton Park, N.Y.,
who took radiation measurements at Dr. Sugarman’s house. “But I’ve seen
a few that might heat up your Cheerios a little.”
Perhaps it could be marketed as a selling feature(You’ll never need to use the stove!), but realistically the odds of your own counters being risky is remote. If you’re concerned about it, your best bet is to get a radon inspector out to your home to test your homes’ radiation levels. It should probably run you about $100-$300 dollars, and you’ll know for sure if there’s a problem.
It begs the question: "How long will it take to cook an egg on a counter like this?"
~Jonathan Benya
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St.
La Plata, MD 20646
301-653-8116
301-609-9000
http://www.teambenya.com
