Radon Gas In Granite Homes

It starts out as uranium a heavy metal found in the ground and most rocks on the planet.

Radon gas in granite homes.

The radon source you should be most wary of is the soil beneath your home. Ok so the risk from granite is minuscule but how common is radon in u s. Any of these sources can release the deadly gas into your home where it is trapped and can build to dangerous levels. Radon exists naturally in the ground and there are five common causes of radon in your home.

Some granite countertops have been found to give off trace amounts of radon and reporters cited a few kitchens with radon levels as high as 25 times the epa s safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of. Because of the way we heat and ventilate our homes some radon gets indoors through the floor. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. The epa says that approximately one of every 15 homes throughout the country whether new or old has elevated radon levels.

One such stone that has trace amounts of uranium is granite. In the united states radon gas in soils is the principal source of elevated radon levels in homes. Older homes are often built on a foundation made out of natural stones like granite limestone and other quarry rocks. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes schools and workplaces.

The reports were about granite countertops that contain radium which can emit radon a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas you can t see feel taste or smell. Radon gas is inert colorless and odorless. While natural rocks such as granite may emit radiation and radon gas the levels attributable to such sources are not typically high.

If your home has a radon level of 4 picocuries per liter pci l of air or more you should take steps to fix your home and reduce the radon level. Radon that originates in the soil is the main cause of radon problems the epa says. When uranium decays it turns into. 1 radon is a gas which can seep into our homes radon gas is created when natural radioactive uranium slowly decays in the ground under our homes and seeps to the surface.

Causes of radon in your home. Radon gas is created when certain rocks begin to decompose and erode. Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. These stones are formed together using concrete or other materials.

Outdoors radon disperses rapidly and generally is not a health issue.