What Makes Granite Radioactive

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What makes granite radioactive.

Radioactive minerals in the granite can decay into radon a colorless odorless radioactive gas which may be released from the surface of the granite over. These trace concentrations may vary from stone to stone or even within a single slab of granite. Granite like any other stone may contain veins of naturally occurring radioactive elements like uranium thorium and their radioactive decay products. Grand central terminal in nyc is made of granite.

Some of these elements can decay into radon gas over time. Granite is a natural source of radiation like most natural stones. But he tells webmd that if even a tiny percentage of the granite used to make countertops emits unsafe levels of radon or other radiation that could represent a danger in thousands of homes. Granite is the most abundant type of natural stone in the world.

The lowdown on granite radiation. After all there are always exceptions to the rule. Potassium 40 is a radioactive isotope of weak emission and a constituent of alkali feldspar which in turn is a common component of granitic rocks more abundant in alkali feldspar granite and syenites. How does the radioactive properties inherent in this stone pose a risk to.

The minerals present in all natural stones contain very small amounts of the radioactive elements uranium thorium and potassium 40. With the concern over the radioactive risk potential of granite countertops it is important to remember that we are always exposed to a certain level of background radiation. However keep in mind that avoiding granite countertops does not mean you avoid radiation or radon gas emissions in your home. Its used to make countertops and used extensively in construction.

And note that the epa advises that all homes be tested for radon regardless of countertop material. If you re interested in exotic granite or worried about your existing countertops testing for both radon and radiation makes sense. It forms as a result of magma cooling over millions of years under intense pressure and heat. While granite and other decorative stone can contain some trace natural radioactivity granite countertops are not considered to be a key contributor to radiation in the average home.

If significant levels are found you ve got to do something about it to protect your family s health. All granite and most earthen materials contain trace amounts of uranium and radium emit gamma radiation and release radon gas. However it is undeniable that granite does contain radioactive materials some more so than others do.