The Fear-Mongering Myth
Every few years, a viral story claims granite countertops cause lung cancer due to Radon emission. As a responsible exporter of thousands of containers of Absolute Black and exotic stones, Ruvello takes safety seriously. Let's look at the science.
All Rock is Radioactive
It is a geological fact: All rocks emit trace amounts of radiation. This includes granite, marble, limestone, and even the concrete foundation your house sits on. They contain trace elements of uranium, thorium, and potassium. The question is not "if" but "how much."
The Numbers
Radiation is measured in milliSieverts (mSv) or picoCuries (pCi/L).
Average Backyard Soil: Emits significantly more radon than a typical granite slab.
A Banana: Yes, bananas are radioactive (Potassium-40). Eating a banana exposes you to 0.1 microsieverts.
The EPA Stance
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that while some granites emit radon, the contribution to indoor air quality is usually negligible compared to radon seeping up from the soil beneath the house.
The "Hot" Stones: Generally, very red or pink granites (high potassium feldspar) like Imperial Red measure slightly higher on a Geiger counter than black stones, but still well within safe residential limits. At Ruvello, we scan exotic lots to ensuring nothing exceeds safety norms. Your kitchen is safe.
