I had the granite counter top call today! - InspectionNews

Scott Patterson · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 09:47 AM

Yep, just like clockwork! Right after the article in the ever trustworthy New York Times came out talking about granite counter tops being radioactive , the calls have started.

The caller was checking to see if I could test the granite counter tops to see if they had any radiation. I had to stop and think, and then I told him Nope. I don't even know of any protocols for doing such a test, not to mention not having the proper equipment.

So now that this scare is circulating has anyone given any thought as to what we as a profession might want to do to about this, if anything?

Ted Menelly · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 09:53 AM

Refer your clients to all the varying articles and let them make the call.

I am sure that it will turn out to be, yep, I like my granite and at this time there is nothing definitive.

Or just ask them if they glow when the lights are out.

I know, what a smart arse.

Rick Hurst · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 09:53 AM

This will be the new one that lawyers will jump on the bandwagon about.

They have backed off the mold is gold plan.

I'm telling you now is the time to invest in Formica.

rick

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 09:56 AM

Hey, if the realtors say its OK, thats good enough for me.

rick

Google Image Result for http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/0/7/0/ar121082323307084.jpg

Dan Harris · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:14 AM

It won't be long before there is a fancy logo, on-line quiz, a new certification, and SOP for testing granite counters for radon.

Ted Menelly · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:22 AM

Yeah, soon they will want every home inspector licensed in turd recognition so we can tell our clients what kind of rats they have in their home.

Scott Patterson · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Harris

It won't be long before there is a fancy logo, on-line quiz, a new certification, and SOP for testing granite counters for radon.

I'm betting that Nicky the certification king is on it already. How much you want to bet that he already has TM papers filed with the USPTO.

Jerry McCarthy · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 11:01 AM

Hate to tell you Rick, but Formica has asbestos in it.
Basically, we are all doomed!

Gunnar Alquist · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

Hate to tell you Rick, but Formica has asbestos in it.
Basically, we are all doomed!

Jerry Mc,

Really? I didn't know that. I figured it had formaldehyde, but would not have thought asbestos.

Jerry McCarthy · #10 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 12:08 PM

What is the circumference of a moose?
7-1/3 Meese?

bruce m graham III · #11 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 07:01 AM

Well sir,
You need to go out a buy a few rolls of 35mm film, yes the same stuff the used to take pictures with, You will also need 2 pcs. of duct tape about an inch long and a good thick black garbage bag, and a stop watch.

Some time at night before you go to bed you want to tape the end of the film to the counter top and then when all of the lights are out place the garbage bag over the film canister and pull out about 2 feet of film and tape that down.

After 37.6 min. you need to wind the film back into the canister. you need to do this in 5 or 6 places in order to get a repesentitve sampling of the entire top. Then go have the film developed.

Call me later and I can interpert your results. Now will that cash, credit card, or paypal

Rick Hurst · #12 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 09:07 AM

Bruce,

Back away from the bong dude.

bruce m graham III · #13 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 01:10 PM

Just trying to be helpful to those that may have be exposed to the granite top radiation.

Jerry Peck · #14 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

I'm telling you now is the time to invest in Formica.

Corian.

People who buy granite would not go with Formica.

bruce m graham III · #15 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 02:35 PM

Rick,
Man, Daves not home.

Jerry Peck · #16 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Hey, if the realtors say its OK, thats good enough for me.

rick

Google Image Result for http://activerain.com/image_store/up...2323307084.jpg

Someone should have proof read that article - speelin' problems.

Jerry Peck · #17 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 02:50 PM

New SoP for testing granite countertops for radon:

Materials required: 2 pieces 6 mil plastic, one large enough to enclose the countertops from the rest of the kitchen and one large enough to enclose an similar floor area adjacent to the first enclosed area.

2 radon monitors.

Step One: Measure granite countertop area as floor area.

Step Two: Enclose the granite countertop area within one plastic sheeting, lapping joints 6" and seal with duck tape inside and out if multiple pieces are required.

Step Three: Enclose a similar floor area adjacent to the countertops with plastic sheeting, lapping and sealing as above.

Step Four: Place a radon monitoring device in each plastic sheeting wrapped area, seal all edges of the plastic sheeting.

Step Five: After 72 hours remove both plastic sheeting enclosures and both radon monitoring devices. If the results are displayed on the radon monitoring device, determine the difference between the granite countertop radon monitoring device and the 'control' radon monitoring device. The difference is how much radon the granite is contributing to the background level of radon.

Use 'the difference' to scare the heck out of your clients and suggest remediation by encapsulation, and you can do that for only 100 per square foot of granite.

I will begin issuing Certified Granite Radon Measurement Technician (CGRMT) certifications on Monday for the measly sum of $500, and, for the very reasonable sum of $2,500, I will issue Certified Granite Radon Mitigation Contractor certifications (CGRMC). Your cost can be recovered in just one job! HURRY - LOW CERTIFICATION NUMBERS - 00001 to 00050 will go first for only $500 extra. Beat the rush! Sent CASH or CHECK now!

Markus Keller · #18 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 02:58 PM

Once again makes me glad I am abbynormal. Richlite and Icestone countertops at home. I've never liked granite tops. Cold, hard, porous, just not appealing to me.

Curtis Marburger · #19 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 07:10 PM

Hello I am a Stone Counter top fabricator looking for some answers according to a website were i found this picture this is how you test a granite counter top.
Can someone tell me what they are doing here ? this looks like a lot of hype to me
Thank you

Ted Menelly · #20 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 07:45 PM

The mad scientist at work

The better the show. The better the profit.

Not picking on you Radon guys.

Have any snake oil???