http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080821_granite.htm
I was completely fascinated with the title and just had to share this with you. I happen to love granite counter-tops and after Elizabeth's 15 day remodel series on her blog, I have to say that quartz counter-tops has found a new fan.
Did you know that "passengers get 3 millirem of cosmic radiation" on a flight from New York to Los Angeles?
I actually learned something new today and believe you will learn a lot more too. Make sure you also check out the links embedded in Boderick's article, for Mr. Perkins writes a wonderful piece regarding some misconceptions people have about the levels of uranium in natural stone (emphasis on granite) and the amount of radon it may produce in a home. To quote one excellent point, "The EPA calls radon "The Health Hazard with a Simple Solution" and suggests anyone with concerns take the sensible approach and contact their nearest state or regional Indoor air-quality agency for help with radon testing and remediation."
My favorite quote: "A rebuttal from the Marble Institute of America says the story "follows the playbook used by two of the largest synthetic stone manufacturers who seek to increase their own sales by raising fears about natural stone." "
Please select the above link so you can enjoy reading the entire presentation for yourself. I found it to be an excellent and interesting read.
I read about this before. And thought it was very interesting.
Carol, I am glad you found this to be interesting as well. :-)
Carolyn,
Very interesting...I'm with you...I'm sticking with quartz!!! Thanks, Fran
I love the quatrz stuff too (always have). I actually miss my Zodiaq counter top, my new house has granite instead. I don't know what to make of the granite info.
Carolyn, to worry about millirems of radiation from granite countertops I think means we are looking for just another thing to worry about in our life. People should REALLY worry about all the fat and sugar they ingest every day as far as something that will give them health problems and not the countertop they place their jumbo 64 oz. Coke on.
Morning C,
Disheartening isn't it when the money one spends on an upgrade becomes a liability.
We have granite, counters and full back splash. and will continue to enjoy them regardless of the latest research. After all all things come full circle in time. I just read that eggs are now good for you.
Have a great weekend.
Hal, I don't think it's a liability, I think that granite is great and the other article he was rebutting didn't tell the entire story, which is why I found it interesting. Broderick is trying to balance both side of the picture while bring it to our attention that things are not always what they seem when dealing with real estate issues. Perfect example: notice the quote the inspector was alleged to have made about the cereal... (LOL).
Gary, it may be a small thing to most, but it may be a big deal to others. I'm not worried about it but enough people actually are, to the point where it triggered numerous studies on the issue and millions of dollars are being spent to weight in with an opinion. Most new construction boast granite counter-tops. If someone brings it up because they are being influenced by a brochure for synthetic stone, at least new Realtors like me can point them in this direction for a balanced view and possible have a buyer slow their roll and not rip out quality construction work for nothing.
Stacey-Ann, Elizabeth introduce me to quartz with her remodel because before then I had never considered it. I've been looking on-line and find it to be truly lovely material. Granite is very fine, but if my builder gives me the option, I'm going with the quartz for the personal eye candy. If not, believe you me, the granite will be just as lovely!
Fran, we are following Stacey-Ann and Elizabeth's good taste on this one. (BTW, I am NOT knocking granite, so don't start with me people - LOL)
Girl, it's truly amazing we aren't dead already! If I can't dream about installing granite countertops what can I dream about that might be healthy except water. Whoops! That may not be healthy either.
Carolyn.
I plan on sticking with Quartz counter tops (someday). It is a stone that has a lot of good energy to it.
Thanks for sharing the rebuttal, it is good to know the other side and you published it. Gee, I had heard this too !
C - good article, I have referenced several other studies that provide the same information. Good to have this one tough.
Oh, man, everything is unhealthy to some extent. Drinking too much water can kill you. But that doesn't mean we should ban water. :)
Lizette, I like granite as well, and it really isn't dangerous. Natural stone is beautiful and I would want as much of it around me as possible in my new home. (LOL)
Valerie, I think the quartz is really beautiful and hope I can use it in the future, but will be happy with granite if that is what's available. :-)
Missy, you are very welcome. I'm glad Mr. Perkins took the time to provide a well written rebuttal. :-)
Mike, I am glad you enjoyed it and were already aware of the other references. This was my first look at the issue. I'm still researching it. :-)
Elizabeth, I am with you on this one. Everything in moderation! :-)
Whew... that was close. Mold disclosures. Radon. EIFS. Now granite!
Erica, life is certainly getting interesting for Realtors... ;-)
Thank you, C, the voice of reason. I knew that the idea of granite as an everyday cause of radon was idiotic, and just not true. (I have large amounts of granite in my own home and low radon.) It drives me crazy that some realtors were picking up this myth and spreading it.
Margaret, it is amazing how fast "bad" news can travel, but when you try and bring up the facts of a talking point people sometimes appear to be more adamant about sticking with the urban legend. :-)