Radiation is a term used for the process of an atom that is unstable due to too much energy, too much mass or too many particles in its nucleus undergoing reduction of these excesses and becoming stable. When the atom emits this energy, it can be absorbed by our tissues. It has been referred to as the radiation absorbed dose (rad) or now the term Gy. A Gy is equal to 100 rads. The biologic risk of radiation is measured in rem or Sv. One-hundred Sv equals 100 rem.
What does this have to do with your kitchen? Well, what kind of counter tops do you have? If they are laminate or man-made then you have no problem. But, if you have stone, like granite, you may have a problem with radiation and radon gas being emitted by uranium contained within the granite.
Who says this? A university professor of physics at Rice University in Houston, Dr. W. J. Llope, has examined a number of granite counter tops and found some of them to be quite "hot". This means they emitted radiation in an amount both unexpected and potentially dangerous. Dr. Llope found that some granite counter tops emitted one rem in 250 hours (10 days). Dr. Llope says one rem has the potential to cause cancer in 4 of 10.000 people exposed to such a dose.
There is some concern about radon gas in homes. Since food preparation will occur on these counter tops, the concern is increased. Right now there is no regular testing or requirement for testing of granite counter tops for potential radiation. Probably it is a small problem over all but when it occurs, it could be serious. Even more serious is the hazard to the worker that cuts and polishes the stone to be installed.
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