Radon is a byproduct of the radioactive decay of uranium, which is naturally present in the bedrock. In the past few decades, granite countertops have become increasingly popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. As such, homeowners may be concerned that their granite countertops are contributing to their indoor radon levels.
Should I have my granite countertops tested?
While every piece of granite is different, we haven’t seen any difference in the radon levels when the monitor is placed directly on countertops compared to elsewhere on the same floor. For example, a radon test conducted in a kitchen would likely have similar results to a radon test conducted in the living room, guest bedroom, dining room, etc. on the main floor. The HVAC system circulates the air from room to room, so the radon levels should be fairly consistent.
If the radon levels are higher in the kitchen, that would be worthwhile to know. Most people probably wouldn’t consider removing their granite countertops unless they were contributing significantly to the indoor radon levels. (In our experience, they typically don’t contribute much compared to the radon that’s entering the home from beneath the foundation. The surface area of the countertops is very small compared to the surface area of everything beneath the foundation.)
