Does Quartz Countertops Emit Radiation

When you re weighing quartz countertops pros and cons it s a common question.

Does quartz countertops emit radiation.

However allegations that granite countertops are radioactive and can emit radon gas are not new. They have been raised periodically mostly by manufacturers and distributors of competing countertop materials as well as the manufacturers of radon detection devices. Here are some frequently asked questions about radon and the risks associated with granite. If you re asking yourself do quartz countertops emit radon you re certainly not alone.

Use the radiation dose calculator to estimate your yearly dose from sources of ionizing radiation. Due to my concern about the radiation that granite emits i decided to pursue quartz countertops. Identifying radiation in granite countertops. However you will find that quartz countertops are actually man made and although they consist of 90 quartz the rest of the countertop is composed of resins polymers and various types of pigments.

Turning to the hazard of being exposed to gamma radiation we know that uranium thorium and potassium in natural rocks emit gamma radiation. Identifying the presence and concentration of radioactive elements in each specific granite countertop requires sophisticated instruments. At this time a generally accepted radiation testing protocol for countertops does not exist and neither imported nor domestic granite products require radiation testing. If you do choose to do it yourself granite and quartz countertops are installed in the same fashion.

A single study is not definitive of course but it does suggest that radon from quartz countertops is an insignificant hazard. On checking with some of the quartz countertop companies i was informed that quartz does contain some radioactive materials. Radiation concentrations can only be measured using sophisticated portable instruments or with laboratory equipment. The question is whether they do so at levels that can impact cancer risk.

So are granite countertops a real risk. People love granite countertops though some may worry that it will emit radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of rocks and natural stones. But i have become aware that granite comprises quartz. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop.

But the extent and significance of the problem is unknown.