Does Quartz Countertops Give Off Radiation

Due to my concern about the radiation that granite emits i decided to pursue quartz countertops.

Does quartz countertops give off radiation.

Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation. To find out if your granite or other stone countertops or anything else in the home is emitting radon gas you will need to call 1 800 sos radon 767 7236 to get your home tested. So are granite countertops a real risk. People love granite countertops though some may worry that it will emit radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of rocks and natural stones.

A single study is not definitive of course but it does suggest that radon from quartz countertops is an insignificant hazard. Turning to the hazard of being exposed to gamma radiation we know that uranium thorium and potassium in natural rocks emit gamma radiation. The question is whether they do so at levels that can impact cancer risk. However in some instances tests have found that granite countertops give off potentially dangerous levels of radiation.

It is extremely unlikely that radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal. However you will find that quartz countertops are actually man made and although they consist of 90 quartz the rest of the countertop is composed of resins polymers and various types of pigments. Some granite and other natural stones contains trace amounts of uranium. However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home.

If you do choose to do it yourself granite and quartz countertops are installed in the same fashion. In addition to radon naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can emit small amounts of beta and gamma radiation. If it emits radon it typically does so at very low levels. On checking with some of the quartz countertop companies i was informed that quartz does contain some radioactive materials.

However any radiation present would decrease quickly with increasing distance from the source. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop. Here are some frequently asked questions about radon and the risks associated with granite. You might even find it in the water.

At this time a generally accepted radiation testing protocol for countertops does not exist and neither imported nor domestic granite products require radiation testing.