Will you help me find out if granite can cause elevated radon concentrations in your home?

My research suggests that a few exotic granites may cause elevated radon concentrations in low ventilation homes when the granite is used for counter tops, flooring, or wall coverings. I would like to find a few of these homes and make radon measurements to test my prediction. I am an independent scientist with over 25 years of radon research experience. I have a small grant from our faculty development program to make limited measurements in a few homes. This source of funding allows me to keep your information private and confidential.  Since I am looking for a few needles in a very big haystack with very little time or money, I would appreciate your help if you have a low ventilation home with decorative granite.

Here�s why you may want to participate.

The current scientific evidence suggests that no significant radon increase occurs when small amounts of most granites are present in the most houses. However, recent  research by independent scientists has raised the possibility that a few types of granite may increase indoor radon concentrations to unacceptable levels in some low ventilation homes.  I have measured the radon-related radiation from more than 220 granites and have found that roughly 5% with the potential to create problems in some applications.Since an essential part of a scientific investigation is testing the model predictions with actual measurements,  I am seeking volunteers to assist me by making radon measurements in their homes. These measurements will be free for selected participants. (If you hired a technician to do them, they would probably cost about $300.)  If you participate, you can benefit by learning what radon concentrations are in your home and whether it is likely to be created by your granite.  In the unlikely event that we find that your granite is causing a radon problem, I will help you to address the problem. Most problems should be readily solved by increasing ventilation in the rooms where the granite is present.

Here�s the plan

The study will take a stepwise approach; first we will  get a rapid measurement of  the radon in a few rooms in your home. Then, if it is possible that the granite is a significant source of radon, we will measure the radon being generated by the granite as well as making longer term radon measurements throughout the house. The measurements will be simple enough that, with my assistance, you will be able to do them easily. Your measurement plan will be tailored to the your situation  and will be based on an analysis of your home's structure and granite. .  While there will be no cost associated with the first step, you will be asked to place and properly expose the short-term radon detectors that I will mail to you. In the second step,  I will ask you to place longer term detectors, make some simple measurements on your granite, and be responsible for the cost of mailing the detectors back to me. (The  mailing cost to you should be less than $20)

These are the types of homes where radon from decorative granite might be an issue.

A home  would have to have a low ventilation rate to trap the radon generated indoors. If you have only a small installation of countertops made of granite,  your house would have to be small and tight to have a problem. If you have  more extensive granite applications on the floors and walls, then a larger tight house might have a problem. New and remodeled homes are often made tight to conserve energy. If proper mechanical ventilation is not provided in a tight house, then odors and pollution can linger, making the home seem stuffy. Often water will condense on walls and windows sometimes leading to mold and mildew problems in tight homes. If you believe your house is tight, please consider participating in this study.  

You should participate if you have a low ventilation home or condo , your house is small and you have large areas of countertops , floor or wall tile made from these exotic granites.

Bordeaux, Crema Bordeaux,  Four Seasons,  Juparana Bordeaux, Super Bordeaux, Juparana Florencia Bordeaux, Siena Rouge,  Juparana Persa, Juparana Sunrise, Kashmir Gold, Golden Fantasy, Lava Vecchia, Namibian Gold, Namibian Green, Niagara Gold, Nile Gold, Sage Brush , Shiva, Shivs Cr�me, Shivakashi

The fact that you might have one of these granites does not mean that you will have a radon problem. I have measured individual slabs of some of these materials. Some slabs have the potential to produce elevated radon, other slabs do not. That�s why we need to make direct radon measurements.  

 A sampler of stones with movement

Please apply now if you meet these requirements

To participate you must own a home in the continental US in a state where radon measurements by homeowners and researchers are not prohibited by law and be willing to:

�         answer questions about your home�s structure

�         provide digital photos of the granite installation (s)

�         place passive radon detectors in rooms and on the granite surfaces

�         provide the name of your granites

�         communicate via email

�         pay for return postage for the second phase detectors (should be less than $20)

If you are interested in helping,  please answer a few simple questions to help me assess your home's potential problem.

A new survey questionnaire is  underdevelopment; email me directly for a copy.

Questions/Comments, e-mail: Dr. Steck
Last revised : 27 September, 2009     
Visitor since 09/27/09

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