Entry #1364, July 5, 2012
Have you ever considered if your beautiful granite countertops are eco-friendly and affecting you and your family’s health? While granite is beautiful as a countertop surface, many of us don’t think about the properties of the counter and if it can off gas dangerous fumes. So I decided to go to one of the best sites for green living and eco-friendly questions: USGBC’s Green Home Guide. It always has tons of green living ideas.
Here’s the question: Are Granite Countertops Eco- Friendly?

Is granite eco-friendly in your kitchen?
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Answer from USGBC Green Home Guide:
This EPA indicates that any type of rock could contain naturally occurring radioactive elements, such as radon.
- Some types of granite may contain more of these elements than others.
- The link indicates that there are no generally accepted testing methods for radon in granite counter tops.
- The EPA also discusses the length of time for radon to degrade and the types of home tests available – which may be a good idea for anyone to know, given the potential health risks associated with radon.
This EPA outlines the health risks of radon and can a be a good starting point to learn and provide guidance toward mitigating radon.
Whether you are looking to add granite to your kitchen or bath, or you are just curious as to granite and its natural properties, these tips should give you better insight to make an informed decision to put granite in your home.
For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.
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