Radon -- it's simply a consumer protection issue

15 years ago

There are several disturbing trends in the unpleasant responses to people who have posted concerns about radon gas being emitted from granite which have led to even broader assertions as to whether people should be concerned about radon levels in their houses in general. Im writing this because frankly I find these attacks to be both mean-spirited and ignorant. Granted we donÂt know enough about radon emissions from granite but thatÂs at the heart of people having concerns in the first place.

First, thereÂs a need for some people to get nasty and sarcastic with the posters, to suggest they are ignorant and paranoid. I donÂt understand why common courtesy is thrown out the window when people express concerns about their safety, other peopleÂs safety, and whether consumers should have access to information.

Second, thereÂs a need for people to allege concerned posters are irrational. So, if a poster says he or she understands that the vast majority of granites arenÂt radioactive and donÂt emit radon gas and that the problem is limited to just certain stones or even just areas of some stones, others feel compelled to ignore that caveat and act as if the person said the sky is falling and that all granite is dangerous.

Third, thereÂs a compulsion for people to point out that lots of things are dangerous as if thatÂs a reason to ignore the dangers of radon gas. People point out that there are lots of sources of carcinogens Â smoking, chemicals, etc. Â and thatÂs true and, in fact, as a result many people make personal decisions to not expose themselves when they have the information they need. In addition, the government helps us as a society to avoid those dangers as well by, for example, banning certain chemicals, requiring hoods on gasoline pumps, limiting medical x-ray exposure, and putting warnings on cigarettes. There are a wide range of federal, state, and local agencies charged with helping us avoid cancer-causing agents.

Likewise, people point out that there are other non-cancer dangers -- such as driving Â which are also dangerous but most of us engage in. The implication is that since we engage in some risky behaviors, we should accept the dangers of all other behaviors or choices. ThatÂs simply illogical. In fact, we as a society (government) have made many decisions to provide protection for all people from a variety of risks and we have also mandated that people be provided with information so that they can make their own choices. ItÂs called 'consumer protection.' But, for some reason, advocating for consumer information and protection on this kitchen forum opens one up to personal attacks -- at least when it comes to granite.

Last, people act as if radon gas is not dangerous. ThatÂs as absurd as believing that cigarettes donÂt cause lung cancer. From whatever source Â generally the ground upon which the house was built Â radon does contribute significantly to lung cancer. This is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocates radon-resistant building techniques and radon mitigation systems for existing buildings where levels exceed acceptable levels. Some states mandate radon testing for real estate transactions, for foster homes and schools, release of information to buyers if sellers have already conducted testing, etc. Linked to this is a 22-page report from 2004 on all of the radon-related State laws. As with cigarette smoking, exposure to radon affects us as a society because of the high cost of health care, if for no other reason. Unlike cigarettes, most people are not aware that they are being exposed to radon gas in indoor environments. Advocating for ways to inform consumers about radon may require the creation of more radon testing protocols but that doesnÂt make the idea inherently illogical.

ThatÂs it. I donÂt plan on reacting one way or another to any posts replying to this because I donÂt want to get sucked into it. But I hope that some people might reconsider both their arguments and the way that they make them.

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Comments (14)

sailormann
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I didn't read all of the responses to the "Radon post" so I am not aware of how rude or inconsiderate some of the responses may or may not have been.

I did post a rather tongue-in-cheek response that was nonetheless based on fact - namely that I believe the dangerous chemicals and bacteria that are in our food pose a far greater risk to our health than does the radon that may or may not be emitted by a slab of stone into a well- ventilated space where air is constantly circulating.

It is indeed unfortunate if some of the responses were rude, and it is inexcusable that some would feel compelled to answer discourteously.

However, it might be just a tad presumptive to assume that because this particular issue is of great concern to you, that the rest of us find it equally alarming.

You need to appreciate that many of us honestly do believe that the risk, if it exists at all, is minuscule.

I log on here to read about the trials and tribulations that others are going through, to read and learn from their experiences and to benefit from the vast experience of many of the other posters here. I enjoy those posts, but I don't like reading about things that are intended to make me worry. I have far too many worries already. ;) Garden Web is a little bit of respite from reality.

It is good that the issue of Radon was raised, however it was mentioned here at the same time as it was receiveng great play in media all over North America. By the time I read the concerns here I had read, researched and formulated my opinion.

I tend to think that many other of the folks here had done so as well.

So... while it is not good that you felt you have been treated poorly, you need to realise that we don't all place as great a degree of importance on the issue as you seem to. Perhaps it might be a good idea to move on to another issue...
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paulines
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Well said sailormann.

Fern, what's the purpose of this thread? It seems nothing more than a arm crossing, feet stomping temper tantrum because many didn't agree with your pov. As said, it might be best for your mental health if you move on.
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rebccah990
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
fern,
Thank you for standing up to these bullies. As sailorman said, he doesn't read anything that is will make him worry. Then he admited that he hadn't read the previous thread before he was rude.

Perhaps it would be best to heed paulines threats. It should be obvious to most Garden web readers which side is closer to the truth.
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marlene_2007
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
paulines...

You need not be concerned about Fern's "mental health".

I know Fern very well. If I could only have my life as well balanced as she, I would be one happy camper. I continue to be in awe of her abilities and attributes...she is first and foremost a FABULOUS parent, a good and caring and compassionate person. She balances an unbelievably busy life. I respect her privacy, but I will say she holds an impressive and respected position in the community.

So, paulines..no need to worry about Fern.
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logic
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
However, when all is said and done at this time there is no equivocal method by which to determine if radon is present...or not..... in granite slabs. Pretending otherwise does not "protect the consumer", as there is no concrete documentation that equivocally proves the point or not.

That said, if one is concerned, there is a simple solution...don't install granite.
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luvmyguys
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Fern,

Thank you for your post- I agree with much of what you said. I don't find your post to be an "arm crossing, feet stomping temper tantrum" at all. When I see sarcastic, hostile, or condescending comments on GW, it bothers me because I see GW as such a helpful site. Fortunately, there are so many, many wonderful people on GW who share their knowledge and experiences with others in a courteous, patient, and kind way- and it is these people's posts I look forward to and learn so much from.
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chefkev
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
After digging through so many of these threads silently, I have finally lost my marble and my template as well. I feel I have grounds to be quarryelsome and point out that the debate is not complete because a slate of famous literary figures and celebrities have yet to fabricate their counter responses:

Spanish Literary figure: RaDon Quixote
Michael Corleone's ill-fated cousin: Godfather RaDon Corleone
Sally Field's pro-union alter ego: Norma Raedon
Richard Dean Anderson's action alter ego: McGeiger
The whole cast and crew of: "Everybody Loves Raydon
60's Commedian Tommy Chong's daughter and actress: Rae-Don Chong
Cook show and talk show host: Rachael Raydon
Popular singer: Corinne Bailey Raedon
Voiceover Master: RaDon LaFontaine
Miami Vice and Nash Bridges star: RaDon Johnson and...
Mullet wearing "Achy Breaky Heart" singer: Billy Raedon Cyrus (should've seen that coming a "Miley" away)

OgeeWiz! There are shards and shards of others, but I will get off of my soapstone box and hope that I have not been taken for granite. Feel free to respond and let me know if I am an ingneous neographite who is full of schist and has made you feel chiseled, but I ask you to bury your hatchets and forgive my full quartz press of verbal feldsparring as I have done this to help everyone remember, "A mine is a terrible thing to waste."
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chefkev
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
BTW - I have no "side" on this issue. It is not my intent to belittle or make fun of anyone, I just wanted to lighten up the mood a little.
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sailormann
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
rebecca990:

I'd appreciate it if you would read the post I made on the original thread before you accuse me of rudeness.

I'll thank you in advance and consider the matter settled. :)
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moonkat99
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
chefkev - I would let you know that your post made me laugh, but I don't read much of the flame-tossing threads, & don't care to post on them.

Soooo....you don't really see this post, because I didn't really make it, but that giggling in the background that you hear? That would be me :-D
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sdkitchen
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Chefkev - Beautifully done!
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paulines
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
sailormann, let me give you the lowdown. rebccah990 is someone who has been stirring up trouble here for several years. He and his wife have been banned from this and other virtual communities many, many times and they keep coming back under different screen names. You were not rude, it's their MO and indicative of their character.

chefkev, thanks for the chuckle!
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paulines
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'd also like to add that some of the responses that fern referred to as "mean-spirited" or even more absurdly, "ignorant", came from those either directly involved with radon testing and/or scientific testing protocol in general or related professions. They know of what they speak and they were trying to be helpful to the OP.
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revans1
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It is a shame that this normally congenial group does have a certain level of dysfunction when it comes to questions about granite countertops. I've been a participant in some of the threads, and an interested observer in the rest.

The reaction that this topic creates is unique, I believe, within this community. And the ultimate source of the problem is a countertop fabricator called Al, aka carpentershop, aka hotgranitekills, aka (maybe) rebccah990, with an assist from his wife Christina. He poisoned the atmosphere with hundreds of posts full of open hostility and complete misrepresentations about who he was and what he wanted. I originally thought that he was just boorish and not very smart about how to influence people effectively, but I have come to the conclusion that he genuinely does suffer from psychological difficulties. I am not alone in that conclusion. As one human being should for another in this scenario. I sincerely hope for him that his situation improves.

For that reason, as well as for the health of this community, I suggest that we agree to let this topic be handled to a conclusion in the scientific and medical arenas where it has a chance to be done objectively. Despite the best and sincere efforts of many here, Im not sure that it serves us well to keep the topic alive.

My 2 cents. I could be wrong.
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Radon -- it's simply a consumer protection issue

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