Q: I was thinking about installing granite countertops in my home, but after reports I've seen (and/or read) recently, I'm having second thoughts. Are granite countertops safe?
A: Yes. Many of the reports are based on questionable science and are just plain wrong. If you want to know the real truth about granite, check studies that have been conducted over the years by well-respected scientists and independent research organizations. Study findings have been consistent: radon emissions from granite countertops aren't even close to posing a health risk. In fact, one study looked at the granites used in about 85 percent of American countertop installations and found the most popular granite countertops pose no health threat to homeowners. It's true that samples can vary and some samples can be more of a source of radiation than others - but the highest emission rates ever reported in scientific literature result in concentrations that are hundreds of even thousands of times lower than the EPA's guidelines.

Q: I'm nervous about my granite countertops. I want you to rip them out of my kitchen right now!

A: You probably chose to have granite countertops in your home because they make your kitchen beautiful, they're practical and you know they'll last for decades. Be reassured that your granite countertops are every bit as safe as they are beautiful, practical and durable. Some of the media coverage has been disappointing because it does not report the whole story. They show someone waiving a Geiger counter over a granite countertop and it starts clicking. It's definitely sensational - but totally meaningless. The plain fact is that radiation is all around us. Compared to the radiation levels of everyday things in our homes and neighborhoods, the radiation levels produced by granite countertops are miniscule. You may not realize that a Geiger counter will also click if you waive it over a smoke detector, many wristwatches, your television, your computer, a bowl of Brazil nuts on your kitchen table, cinder block walls in your garage, or even many kinds of glazed pottery in your living room.

Q: So, you deny that granite countertops can cause radiation and give me and my family cancer?

A: The amount of radiation produced by the typical granite countertop is miniscule compared to things we have around our homes. None of the research studies of granite countertops has ever identified a single stone that poses any significant health threat. While it's true that samples can vary and some samples can be more of a source of radiation than others - but the highest emission rates ever reported in scientific literature result in concentrations that are hundreds of even thousands of times lower than the EPA's guidelines.

Q: Why would the media say that granite countertops are not safe if it isn't true?

A: Unfortunately, the coverage has been based on questionable science that seems to be promoted by some parties who hope to benefit from consumer confusion or concern. The sad truth is that consumer fears benefit companies that manufacture synthetic countertops, two of which are funding some of the fear-mongering efforts, and by radon detection consultants, who will benefit through the sale of their services.

Q: Why should I believe a word you say? You want to sell me a granite countertop!

A: I won't deny that I'd love to sell you a granite countertop, but I would not sell you anything unless I was sure that you know that granite countertops are safe for you and your family. I have a home. I have a (wife/husband). And I have (# of children). Their health and safety means everything to me. We have beautiful granite countertops in our kitchen and we plan on keeping them around for a while.