So, once extracted from the earth, what is the rate at which this off-gassing depletes? Or would this be measured more in terms of a 1/2 life? What is the time frame from mining to showroom floor/ fabricator typically, if importing from abroad? And if in fact the off-gassing reduces over any given period of time, as I would assume because it is no longer associated with the gas source (uranium) then wouldn’t the amount of time from mining to installation show lower off-gassing levels?

Is the granite shipped in an open air container or is it sealed tight? Wouldn’t this factor in the reading of the radon level because there would be potentially no place for the gas to escape to?
Then what is the total life cycle of the radon emissions in granite ie. what would the levels of radon be in a 20 year old piece of granite as used for a countertop vs. a one month old granite countertop?

Then several articles reference uranium mines by the granite mines? And most of what I have read infers that because uranium is being mined that hence forth the granite is more corrupted by this. When in fact the uranium is occurring naturally in the earth. And is it safe to assume that the uranium on some level is contributing to the coloration and patterning of the granite (I’m sure other gasses contribute as well – true?)

If it is true that the polished surface reports lower levels of off-gassing then wouldn’t it be prudent to polish the entire piece of granite?

And if the off gassing levels do in fact reduce over time then wouldn’t it make sense to at least in the wake of this highly debated issue – cut the granite, test it and if the levels are to high store it in highly ventilated spaces until such time as the off-gassing levels show a respectable reduction? Costly I am sure but would be an option.

Finally, as the EPA has made a general focus on out door air quality over indoor then what is the EPA’s findings on the Uranium levels at these granite mines once the granite is exposed; as these are very large quarries. I would imagine this would clearly be an issue to the immediate surrounding land and air quality/ And for any countries or companies over the mining regulations who would be concerned then I am sure they would want to monitor the risk of cancer in their employees (however this might be a far fetched statement as most places where granite is mined, outside of the US, really have little to no workplace safety regulations nor are they bothered with providing health care)

Would love some truly educated feedback on my questions.
Thanks!

Joe

Joe

So it should be no surprise to get radioactive counter tops when having granite brought in… If you want a chance for gold or silver instead, go for slate…

So it should be no surprise to get radioactive counter tops when having granite brought in… If you want a chance for gold or silver instead, go for slate…