With the recent reports that granite counters might be an additional source for radon gas in homes, Realtors® and homebuyers are more perplexed than ever. Several questions arise: Is radon in homes dangerous? Are radon tests reliable? Do granite counters pose a health risk? Is there agreement among scientists on the level of danger posed by radon?
While I’m no scientist, I have studied the radon issue for more than 20 years, and have spoken with leading researchers regarding the issue. My first encounter with radon came while working for a major home builder; I was assigned the task of studying both radon and power line radiation (a subject I’ll discuss in a later blog). My research revealed that there is much confusion and misinformation on the subject of radon, but I will explain the facts as I understand them.
I’ll begin with a brief explanation of radon and the potential health problems it may pose. Radon is one of several byproducts or “daughters,” known as SLRDs (Short Lived Radon Daughters) that occur when the element uranium breaks down or “decays.” Unique from the other decay products, radon is an odorless gas, and is emitted from the soil in varying amounts everywhere on earth.
The interest in radon as a health hazard began when miners were found to suffer from higher than normal rates of lung cancer, and studies were conducted to determine the cause. Unfortunately, one of the studies, often quoted and used by the EPA to support its data, was flawed in that only 10% of the miners were actually studied, and guesswork was used for more than 50%. The data from the miner study was then applied to those who have elevated levels of radon in their homes. And, a major question that arises from that study is that it assumes that an individual will spend 18 hours per day in their home, 365 days per year for 70 years!
Is radon in homes dangerous? High levels of exposure to radon is dangerous, as the miner study showed, and the EPA recommended safe level is below 4pCi/l. However, studies have shown the risk of death from radon exposure to be similar to being one pound overweight for each pCi/l greater than 4. And, remember the test data assumes almost continuous exposure.
Are the commonly used radon tests reliable or accurate? If conducted properly, the typical test for radon do provide information that can be helpful in determining if elevated levels of radon exist, however, such tests only cover a few hours or days exposure. An accurate reading and understanding of potential hazards can only be achieved by continuous testing over a period of several months.
Do granite counters pose a health hazard? Almost unequivocally no. While high concentrations of radon are shown to exist in areas where there are large granite deposits, it can’t be assumed that all granite counters emit sufficient levels of radon to be hazardous. Radon levels in granite counters vary widely, and most emit harmless levels of radon, and even for those few that do emit higher levels of radon, those levels are usually only monitored within a few inches of the counter, and the gas is quickly dispersed into the air. The EPA has made the following statement regarding radon in granite counters: “The EPA does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops is significantly increasing indoor radon levels.”
Is there agreement among scientists on the level of danger posed by radon? While the EPA and most radon testing services would tell you otherwise, there is no consensus on the dangers posed by radon at the levels commonly found within homes. Of 5 state sponsored studies, 4 concluded that low levels of radon, similar to that found in the average home, are not harmful. The single study that indicated a risk factor, called it only a very slight risk.
Finally, I believe that buyers who are concerned about radon should test their home to see if it shows elevated levels of the gas. If tests indicate that radon exists above the accepted levels (4 pCi/l) there are simple and usually inexpensive methods of mitigation. A method rarely mentioned, especially by companies whose success is dependent upon installing more expensive mitigation methods, is the circulation of air within a room. Studies have shown that significant reductions in SLRDs, the radon daughters, can be achieved simply by installing ceiling fans. If the desired reduction is 50% or less, a ceiling fan alone can provide the necessary solution.
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