Radon Emissions From Marble

The marble institute of america has called upon several of the country s leading scientists in geology and geochemistry to assist in preparing a response to the allegations in these articles that radon gas emissions from granite countertops may be hazardous.

Radon emissions from marble.

In most cases the noise is produced by two other naturally occurring elements. This means they will almost always over respond when attempting to measure the radon emissions. November 2008 a major study by one of the world s leading environmental research firms shows that in the most common types of granite there is significantly less radon exposure than the background levels you are exposed to outdoors. Radon is a colorless odorless tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.

Radon that originates in the soil is the main cause of radon problems the epa says. Natural radiation includes cosmic radiation and emissions from radioactive elements in the earth radon gas in your home some foods and well water. Although not specifically designed or intended for measuring radon emissions from countertops do it yourself test kits are available through retail outlets and on line starting at about 25. The radon scare has been an on and off hot subject of contention for some time.

In fact up to 95 of the geiger. If you are concerned about the radon level in your home purchase a test kit and use as instructed. Radon is a chemical element with the symbol rn and atomic number 86. Man made radiation comes from dental x rays medical diagnostics and treatment the remains of nuclear bomb testing emissions from nuclear reactors radioactive elements in drywall and concrete.

Not all the radiation coming from the granite that makes the clicking sound comes from radon producing radium. It is a radioactive colorless odorless tasteless noble gas it occurs naturally in minute quantities as an intermediate step in the normal radioactive decay chains through which thorium and uranium slowly decay into lead and various other short lived radioactive elements. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Homeowners with quartz countertops may or may not be aware of what radon is and how it can affect specific areas of a home but many new or older homes are often tested for it through a home inspector or individual home radon test kits to help alleviate the worries associated with it.

Radon itself is the immediate decay product of radium.