Can Granite Countertops Cause Cancer? ...

"NO!" says a recent study by the University of Akron, Ohio.

A recent New York times story "What's Lurking In Your Countertop?" highlighted one purchaser that ripped out her granite countertops because her inspector suggested the levels of uranium in it were too high for her pregnant daughters health. This story angered many in granite/marble industry, such as the Marble Institute of America, who say the story "follows the playbook used by two of the largest synthetic stone manufacturers who seek to increase their own sales by raising fears about natural stones".

The facts are this:

While granite is known to contain uranium (which can produce radon) and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health threat.

The frenzy created by this NY Times story helped sell their paper and create a buzz, which is exactly what they wanted to do ... but, I'll trust the academic and health researchers over a journalist seeking a shock-factor article.