(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 28, 2008 ) St. Louis, MO – Recent reports have been published about granite countertops emitting radioactivity. Some reports have indicated that most granite countertops tested were nothing to be worried about; however, some could have “hot-spots” that emit life threatening levels of radon. Different reports have singled out granite from specific regions or even granite of a certain color. Since recently opening the new store in Missouri, many consumers have asked questions about their risk to radon exposure from a new granite countertop.

During a recent series of interviews, Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite addressed the issue of radon and radiation exposure with granite countertops. He explained, “Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater. When radon escapes from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern; however, in an enclosed space it can accumulate to high levels and break down to form additional radioactive particles called progeny that can contaminate the air you breathe.”

Charlie understands why consumers are concerned, so he makes sure to put them at ease as he explains that granite countertops became popular back in the 1990s, so if there were any great concern, steps would have been taken to resolve it by now. Charlie believes some of the reports were generated by companies who sell other synthetic countertop materials. Their intent was to steer consumers away from granite, to give them a competitive marketing edge.

Charlie provided information from the EPA’s website that was very helpful. According to the EPA, “There is radiation all around us and we need to be aware of the various sources--when to be concerned and how to protect ourselves from harmful exposure. Radiation has been part of the earth since its beginning. Construction materials such as concrete, cinder blocks, bricks, and granite contain small amounts of radioactive materials that are found naturally in the materials used to make them.” These quotes were taken from the EPA web page at http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/index.html#construction

Though there have been many reports to generate concern, studies have failed to produce evidence that granite countertops pose a significant health risk. The EPA believes that the main source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process. The EPA has no reliable data to conclude that countertops are increasing indoor radon levels.

So rest assured, your elegant granite countertops do not pose a health threat. Rock Tops Granite fabricates and professionally installs over 9,000 countertops per year. One of their newest stores, just opened in the last few months, services the St. Louis area of Missouri, including Kirkwood, Wildwood, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more about granite kitchen countertops.

Contact:

Jack Feasel, Field Measurer
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Phone: 314-993-8300
Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com



This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC

Contact Information:
Rock Tops, Inc
Charlie Thiede
Tel: 586-263-6621
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