Granite Countertops
Filed Under In Our Opinion - Naturally Savvy Guides |
I was on my computer late Friday night surfing the internet when I came across an article in the New York Times with the following title: “Your granite countertops may be killing you”. It caught my attention because I just finished renovating my
kitchen. My husband and I love the look of granite and decided to treat ourselves to granite countertops. Now, I’m fully aware the media likes to scare us (I know, I know…fear sells!), but this article really did scare me!
I immediately called up Frank Haverkate (my “go-to guy” for everything home testing related) and asked him to test my slabs of granite. He mentioned a few of his colleagues had come across some granite with high levels of radioactive activity, but he has never come across any himself. He even told me he went to a few of the larger home renovation stores and brought his Geiger Counter (a device used to measure radioactive activity) with him to test some of their materials, but he has yet to come across anything with dangerous levels. Phew! Was I glad to hear that.
Frank came over and tested our granite countertops this morning. He showed me how the radiation levels we extremely low and we had “nothing to worry about”. He also told me that any material from the earth will emit some form of radioactive activity. To prove his point, he took me outside and showed me that his Geiger Counter measured similar results outside my house as it did inside.
Luckily I had someone like Frank to call in order to alleviate my fears. Of course I asked him how this experience could benefit YOU - our readers. Frank told me that there is an organization called the International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology (www.bau-biologieusa.com). If you are concerned about your granite countertops or any other household issues (ie. mold, air quality, etc.) you can search their website for an expert in your area.
I highly recommend having your homes tested for air quality which includes mold, radon gas, carbon dioxide, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), etc. I had Frank come and test our house before and after our renovation. The first time he came he told us that we had high levels of carbon dioxide (which could cause a host of issues such as breathing problems and headaches). He recommended we put in an HRV system (Heat Recovery Ventilator) which circulates the air by bringing in fresh, filtered air and disposes of the old, stale air. When he came back after our renovation, we passed with flying colors.
It costs a fair bit of money to have your home tested, but I highly recommend it. Our health is our most prized possession.
In good health,
Andrea
