By KATE MURPHY
Source: New York Times
According to recent studies, granite contains high levels of uranium, which is radioactive, and releases radon gas as it decays. As the popularity of marble countertops increases so does the necessity for it, therefore with increased sales volume and variety, there have been more reports of hot or potentially hazardous countertops, particularly among the more exotic varieties. Many competitor companies of countertops have made allegations that marble countertops may produce health problems but The Marble Institute of America has said such claims are “ludicrous” because although granite is known to contain uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health threat. Although Health physicians say that the radioactive emissions and gas emissions of Radom gas are relatively low and therefore insignificant homeowners are extremely worried and concerned about the high levels of Radom gas that are being measured in their homes during inspections.
The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceed 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day. In Dr. Sugarman’s kitchen, the readings were 100 picocuries per liter. In her basement, where radon readings are expected to be higher because the gas usually seeps into homes from decaying uranium underground, the readings were 6 picocuries per liter. The average person is subjected to radiation from natural and manmade sources at an annual level of 360 millirem (a measure of energy absorbed by the body), according to government agencies like the E.P.A. and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
This is a situation that is currently affecting our society, specially because in the world we are living now many people live based on materialism, therefore they sometimes want their homes to be made of the best and look the best regardless of the consequences. This article relates to earth science because it is showing people how nature can get affected by us in ways that can harm us. Granite is a natural rock but when built and modified by humans to fit and decorate our homes and then placed under hot temperatures can cause dangers.
Although many studies say the emissions are relatively low, other studies show that the emissions get concentrated within the house therefore posing a danger to the people living in it. I believe that this situation needs to be controlled and that further studies must be made. While these studies take place people should remain cautious and leave aside their materialistic perspective of the world and not place their lives in unnecessary risks.
1 comment:
the danger of granite countertops is an issue that i was unaware of until reading the article. persoannly, i am very interested in interior deisgn and decorating and therefore this article caught my attention. granite is an excellent hard surface for use in the kitchen and or bathroom because it is a noporous material, meaning that whatever put on the surface will not seep into the surface causing staining. also, extremely hot items, such as a pan right off the stove or a dish right from the oven can be placed directly on the granite without a burn mark being left behind. granite comes in a miltitude of diverse colors and patterns and is therefore an attractice option for in-home use. also, as a strong, natural rock, granite can be cut and designed to achieve whatever look the decorator or designer is going for. marble, an alternative natural stone used for in-home use, was mentioned in the article as well. marble is also non-porous, however it is more suseptible to staining, scratching, etc. for this reason, marble is used heavily for baking. quite often in a cokk's kitchen, there will be an alternate counterop for the main counterop and there will be a marble baker's counterotp. marble is very forgiving with dough and the processes required of baking. whenever useing natural stone for in-home use, whether granite or marble, a sealant is neesary to protect the natural stone as well as the items that touch the stone and the individuals themselves.
i had been unaware of the chemical composition of ganite and the potential negative impacts granite offered. in the world of interior design, recyclyed products and or newly creaed products offer green as well as healthy alternatives to in-home use. the products, financially friendly as well as eco-friendly, offer a similar look to natural stone but with added benefits. silestone quartz, for example, offers a cleaner, safer countertop with built in anti-microbial protection. eco-friendly countertops are designed with the health and safety of their customers in mind. for example, most green countertops have: low-VOC or VOC-free in materials, installation, and maintenance; high recycled content; hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties; and durability.
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