Good morning, Gents –

Here's a thought from my perspective as a practicing epidemiologist and toxicologist. The entire argument is debating how many angels can fit on the top of a pin.

Two things:

One-
There is NO evidence whatever that the concentrations emitted are associated in any way with adverse health effects. Arguments about the emission rates and resultant indoor concentrations are arguments of futility. It is rather like arguing whether the US population is at risk, because the average height of a coffee table is 15.25 inches or 15.5 inches. Until someone can demonstrate that the height of coffee tables has anything to do with adverse health effects – the rest of the argument is largely a fool’s errant.

A couple of questions. The EPA recently changed their position on this issue and is now recommending granite top owners to test their homes for Radon. Some concern must have been present to change their advice from not to worry to worry....

It seems that there is quite a bit of Radon health risk info out there. Is there a reason you don't hold with what they are saying? The Radon health risk seems to be accepted worldwide at this time.

Two-
None of the studies I have seen have been able to show a significant difference in radon concentrations in homes with the counter tops, and then without. None. After all, it would be sooooo easy to do. Take 100 houses and monitor the average concentration in those houses over the course of 24 months. Pair match 50 pairs, and install counter tops and measure the radon concentrations for 24 months. Do the math. Why hasn’t this been done? Because the costs aren’t justified, because the risks aren’t there.

Actually, I know of no completed studies at all that have tested individual homes. Build Clean is doing one in Houston, but are focusing on Quartz and granite tops already installed. They aren't planning on taking the countertops out! The Radon levels in Houston are usually near zero because of the soil types, so checking a nearby home without a granite or quartz top will serve as a control. Your arguement seems to be since these studies haven't been done, it isn't possible for granite to contribute to the indoor Radon levels. Doing a test like that, installing or removing $5,000 countertops, would be cost prohibitive would it not? Saying it hasn't been done because the risk isn't there is not logical.

Three tops have already been removed, two Shivikasi and one Bordeaux. All three kitchens had very high level Radon, up to 14 pCi/L untill the tops were removed. The homes returned to normal levels afterward.

That is fact, and the conclusions are apparent.

One might as well lie awake at night worrying about whether green seatbelts are safer than black seatbelts.

Cheers!
Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
Forensic Industrial Hygiene

(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)

AMDG