We are re-doing our kitchen. Our countertop is tile and it has been a chore to deal with decaying grout, re-grouting, etc.We were thinking granite would prevent these problems and look nicer too. I'm finding out that most stones (granite, marble, etc) can emit radon gas which of course we'd prefer not to be exposed to. I realize the amount of radon is expected to be small and it might not be a concern for some people, but it is for us. So, has anyone looked into this and found safer materials? We'd like to stay away from MDF and anything containing melamime, formaldehyde, or other toxic chemicals. Wood is a possibility but given we are dealing with a humidity problem, it we are not very keen on it. Anyone familiar with Vetrazzo? I can't find anything from independent sources about safety or what else to consider. And Quartz - does that emit less radon than natural stone? Hopefully someone here has some insight or alternative materials to suggest. Thanks in advance! UPDATE: The comments about me getting my info from Jenny McCarthy, about limiting my time outdoors, and the one about "raising children to live in fear" are way off and not appreciated. If you have suggestions, or something positive to say or want to share the results of your own radon testing if you have tested your own countertops, I'd appreciate it. Derisive comments, nope, just save them. Renovating a kitchen is very expensive, so doing some research before I pick my countertops is just good common sense. To everyone else who has left me useful comments, thanks and hopefully more helpful people will keep responding.
wood countertops would be a seething haven of bacteria. far worse than anything stone could produce in the way of gases.
there are few substances on this incredible planet that are SO inert that they don't interact in some tiny way with the environment. 100% safety guarantees are pretty much bogus.
khairete
S.
I cannot comment on much except to say I would stay away from wood. Gamma is right, wood is unsanitary. Even if it is treated in some way (which you don't want), wood will still absorb bacteria from food like meat. It is very difficult to sanitize and keep clean. My next door neighbor got sick with e-coli because her mom used wood counter tops and was unable to keep them clean after using meat on them. Just a thought.
We personally like marble countertops.
Not sure where you're getting your information (from Jenny McCarthy perhaps?) but this came directly from the EPA website re radon emission from granite countertops:
"it is extremely unlikely that granite countertops in homes could increase the radiation dose above that the normal, natural background dose that comes from soil and rocks"
It also goes on to state that you should be more concerned about the radon levels in the soil and stone UNDERNEATH your home than what's IN your home.
Not sure what to tell you, as every single product in the market is either natural with natural gases, or synthetic and full of chemicals.
Pick your poison.
Personally I usually choose natural. Our kitchen has granite, slate and wood surfaces.
I've seen attractive cement counter tops. I researched concrete counter tops and they aren't necessarily safe either.
I suggest that all materials can be toxic. Our environment is toxic. What is important is the amount. All choices seem to have some amount of toxicity. Wood easily harbors bacteria and other contaminants.
I know a bit about radon just because our house had the system to remove it in our basement when we bought it. We tested our air and it was fine. I think it was a precaution.
If you look at the government's findings - I think you'll find there was not enough evidence to support that granite countertops emit enough radon to be a hazard. Quartz countertops are made up of quartz crystals and do have a little granite mixed in (with other stuff).
What I found interesting was the original study was funded by a countertop manufacturer. So .. I always consider that.
I myself like quartz countertops. I grew up with wood counters and they were a pain to keep clean and sanitize - but they looked lovely. Just upkeep.
Just to note - even tile has small traces of radon it in. So does concrete, as does gyproc. It's in a lot of building materials.
ETA: I figured you'd be back and attempt to tell everyone off because we don't live in fear like you do. Chemicals and toxins are everywhere, even if you live in a glass house!! MODERATION!!!
*************************************************************************************
You know, you are going to find some type of chemical, gas etc in most everything. It's not like radon is seeping into your skin... If you tested your skin now you'd probably be shocked to see arsenic and maybe more.
Please don't live in fear like this and especially raise children to live in fear. Think moderation. To get enough radon, etc to harm you, you'd have to inject yourself with it daily.
Wood countertops just seem nasty to me.
We used Corian when we built in 2000. We love it, it's easy to clean and we are all still healthy!!!!
Check out new homes being built in your area. Granite used to be #1 but it is not as popular here anymore.
Good luck.
We have been happy with granite. We chose a dark color that wouldn't show stains.
Wood is disgusting and unsanitary.
All rocks and soil give off radon so are you limiting your time outside? Only using man made things? I don't understand. Radon is a normal thing we experience every day.
Try concrete.
I have Quartz. Love it. Easy to clean. Always looks nice. Granite to me, is a waste of money.
Try looking at:
concrete
stainless steel
Paperstone
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/constructi...
Radon from granite counter tops may not be a problem.
"In addition to radon, the other natural radioactive material in the granite can emit radiation. However, it is extremely unlikely that granite countertops in homes could increase the radiation dose above that the normal, natural background dose that comes from soil and rocks."
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm/granite-countertops.html
I have Corian counters that I like. You could also check out the recycled glass counter tops if you want to stay away from granite.
We have had good old Formica countertops for 18 years now and they still look great. We just use cork trivets under hot pans and cutting boards. The only stain is a drop off super glue that was spilled years ago. I happen to hate the coldness of stone since I grew up in Europe with Italian marble everywhere.
We have quartz and love it! I don't know about it emitting radon, though.
My husband is a Nuclear Physicist. He deals with hazardous chemicals on a daily basis. It is IMPOSSIBLE to be exposed to too much radon thru granite countertops.
Our home has granite in the kitchen, dining room, & all 4 bathrooms. You have been odds of dying from a plane crashing in your home before you will die from radon in your granite.
Also, there is chemicals in absolutely everything, so don't let this minor issue hold you back from such a beautiful natural stone that God created. There are more harsh chemicals in the man made stones you're considering.
Why would wood be unsanitary? You would use cutting boards, right? I have stainless counters and the only food I put directly on them is pastry dough (it makes a great rolling surface). I also have wood around my range - it is finished with marine varnish and looks great after 15 years. My stainless is close to 60 years old and still looks great. About the radon from natural stone - I wouldn't even consider worrying about that.
We had our house built 7 years ago and chose Corian. They still look brand new and I love the low maintenence of it, that's partly why we chose it. I don't know if they emit any chemicals though.
