EPA Keeps Changing Granite/Radon FAQs
The response to “What About Radon in Granite Countertops” on the EPA’s Website, which changed markedly on July 25, changed again on July 29. And, some of the associated entries on the topic also changed after the initial July 29 posting.
While the changes in the main entry of “What About Radon” appear to be more a matter of rearranging the material, a July 25 question about whether the EPA believes there's radon gas in granite countertops becomes the the new lead question on July 29: Does the EPA believe there is a danger of radon gas or associated radiation being emitted from granite countertops?
After giving a definition of granite, the statement notes that any granite sample may contain varying concentrations of uranium that can produce radon gas. And, it keeps the rest of the answer given on July 25.
“Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels,” the statement continues. "At this time, however, EPA does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels.
However, there's this, added on July 29:
“Some granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels. While radiation levels are not typically high, measurement of specific samples may reveal higher than expected levels on a case-by-case basis.”
Since July 25, the answers also changed concerning possible radiation dosage from granite countertops, testing for radon and regulations on radiation levels in granite countertops.
The July 25 restatement, along with the additional topics concerning radon and granite, came after the posting June 6 of a shorter and less-declartive set of questions on the issue.