Well, I didn't see the show, but my guess is that it's just the current "thing" that will be the death of us all. And tomorrow, just like coffee or caffeine or whatever, it'll be the thing that saves us from a heart attack...

I don't put much credibility in the media, they seem to just on every bandwagon driving by...

If you're concerned, there are simple tests you can use.

Granite isn't the only natural stone that may emit radon.

Here is a link that might be useful: Snopes on Granite Counter Dangers

Duh, I just looked at the sentence I typed while 3 other people were talking to me...I meant to say that they seem to JUMP on every bandwagon driving by! :)

Here's an excerpt from a piece by an associate professor of physics with no axe to grind.

May 7, 2008
W.J. Llope
Rice University, Houston, TX 77005

These results imply that most natural stone countertops in the home are "safe," but
some fraction are most certainly not safe. While the risk of cancer from these extreme ex-
amples is generally small and requires many years of exposure, "forewarned is forearmed,"
especially if there are pregnant women or young children in these homes.
If you own natural stone countertops, here are some suggestions. Ventilate your home
as often as possible by opening windows - this exhanges potentially radon-laden air from
the inside of your home with essentially radon-free air (at least in the Houston area)
from the outside. The radon concentration in an unventilated volume of air reaches its
saturation density in about 27 days - so open your windows for a half-day once every few
weeks. Home radon test kits can be obtained at most hardware stores. Look for ones
that state "meets EPA requirements," and follow the instructions on the test kit carefully.
Radon decays with a half-life of about 4 days, so if the test kit needs to be shipped to
a lab for analysis, do this expeditiously."

Here is a link that might be useful: Radiation and Radon from Natural Stone

Dirt emits radon too. What are we going to do about that?

That's what radon mitigation systems are for. Indeed, in Maine, all homes being resold are required to be tested for radon. And all new homes must have reduction/mitigation systems installed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Radon & Home Sales

Tons of discussions on the kitchen forum on this.

Dr. Llope has contributed there, seems calm and well informed.

But be aware that most of this 'crisis' is being pushed by the quartz counter makers. It is the most revolting sort of effort to create public hysteria for profit.

Great websites, thanks! Regardless the source, it is a fact that radon does/may exist in Granite. I guess it goes along with carrying too much weight even though we know the risks. Driving over the speed limit even though it is proven to increase many dangers to ourselves/others. Spending hours in the sun even though we know the risks. Or even taking drugs/medications even after reading the warnings. I guess you have to weight how important each item is to making us healthy/happy.

One example....the "healthy house" in our area that selected materials based on health...air/heat based on health, applicances based on health, paint based on health, lighting based on health....logistics of rooms based on health....and granite counter tops (hmmmmmmmmmm).

Me: "Dirt emits radon too. What are we going to do about that?"

I was being sarcastic. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is everywhere. Luckily homeowners can easily and inexpensively test for it in their homes.

No reason for the public to get our collective panties in a wad over this one.

This is another buyer beware issue. Reputable granite sellers test for this. If you are buying over the internet or from other non-mainstream source, then you can test for it yourself. It's sort of like the issues with lead based paint. Radon granite should never get into the stream of commence, but there is always someone out there who wants to make a buck and doesn't do all the proper testing, ets.

I should also add that Radon is a big deal. When we sold our old house, where we had lived for 20 years, the buyer tested for radon and it turns out that we had high levels of it. It was a big deal to the buyer, but they finally agreed to go through with the sale after we installed a radon abatement system. However, the highest level of radon was in our basement rec room where my two sons spent all of their time and I am worried about that. We installed a radon abatement system in our new house. Incorporating a radon abatement system into new construction is easy. Adding it on to existing houses, at least with our old house, can be a little unsightly.

Where do you buy radon test kits?

Hardware stores sell do-it-yourself test kits and then you have to send the collected sample to a lab to be analyzed for an additional fee. Home inspectors also have the test kits and do the testing.

Just adding to what Carolyn53562 said... you might also be able to get a free kit through your county health department, esp. if you have small children.

We were told to test our house just to make sure the abatement system we had installed during construction is working properly. Still have not done that....