Some Granite Counter tops have trace amounts of uranium
Radon is produced by the breakdown of uranium
Not what we want to hear, right? In almost every other remarks section of a listing, I read "new granite counter tops & kitchen appliances" 
Granite counter tops are in almost every flipped house we see with home buyers. So what's the deal with radon? This story is not exactly new. According to a New York Times report in 2008, the popularity of granite counter tops has created an expansion of the types of available granite. The report talks about "hot" counter tops that come from exotic varieties from Brazil and Namibia.
Allegations of radioactive granite counter tops have come up over the past decade from competitors in the counter top business. However, research cited by The Marble Institute of America states,
"There are many sources of radiation in a typical home. Common items such as concrete blocks, televisions, smoke detectors — and even Brazil nuts, bananas and potatoes release measure able levels of radiation. The fact is, radiation and radon levels from other sources in the home are far more significant than what may be measured from a granite counter tops."
The MIA study showed 10 of 13 samples tested emit only insignificant amounts of radon. One of the 3 with higher levels produced what the Environmental Protection Agency calls "actionable" meaning the level is high enough that you should take action.
Bottom line- Testing for radon and radiation makes sense, if you are concerned about your counter tops or about radon in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing our homes for the safety of our families. A Citizen's Guide to Radon is a great place to start.
As Exclusive Buyer Agents working with home buyers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C., we talk about radon everyday. We advise our clients to test for radon. There is a short term test or a long term test, which is done in the home over a 90 day period.
If you're thinking about buying a home, call us. We love what we do!
Marshall Henderson talks Radon
Marshall Henderson is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. Exclusive Buyer Agent with 14+ experience
member of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents & member of the National Association of Realtors
Victoria Henderson is an Associate Broker with Buyer's Edge, licensed Realtor in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
member of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agent & member of the National Association of Realtors
Buyer's Edge 4849 Rugby Avenue Bethesda Maryland 20814 office 301.657.1475 cell 301.922.1677
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