| Recent controversy about granite countertops may | | | | adding as much as ten percent to its overall resale |
| finally be put to rest, thanks to two new | | | | value. |
| independent studies published in the Journal of | | | | Traditionally, granite countertops are especially sought |
| Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. | | | | after by chefs because of its cool surface. This |
| Critics have alleged that granite countertops | | | | allows dough, pie crusts and candies to be rolled out |
| contained dangerous levels of radioactive material | | | | directly on the countertop, since food usually |
| that could allow radon to be released into homes, | | | | won’t adhere to it; it also prevents delicate |
| creating a health risk. The new studies were | | | | pastry crust from becoming overworked and tough. |
| subjected to rigorous peer-review standards and | | | | Granite is a natural heat sink; it absorbs heat rather |
| found no evidence that countertop granite releases | | | | than reflecting it back up to your food. A thin dusting |
| harmful levels of radiation or radon into the | | | | of flour is all that is necessary to produce the best |
| atmosphere. | | | | results. |
| Scientists and spokesmen for the U.S. Environmental | | | | Since granite is heatproof, you can set hot pans on |
| Protection Agency have consistently dismissed claims | | | | its surface without worry. This is a great advantage |
| that granite countertops presented a risk to | | | | over most manufactured countertops, which can |
| consumers. The new studies bear this out, citing | | | | warp and burn when exposed to high temperatures. |
| evidence that the average concentration of radon or | | | | Granite is the hardest natural surface used for |
| radiation exposure from granite countertops is about | | | | countertops, so chipping or breaking is not a concern. |
| four hundred times less than the amount deemed | | | | Since it is very dense, it resists stains and its polished |
| risky. Previous studies had also found very low levels | | | | surface is easy to clean and care for. Additionally, it |
| of radiation and radon in granite countertops; Michael | | | | can be cut to fit nearly any space, allowing more |
| Kitto, a research scientist for the state of New | | | | flexibility than premade countertops. More expensive |
| York’s Department of Health, stated after | | | | than some types of countertops, granite justifies its |
| testing over fifty samples that “While nearly all | | | | initial cost with unmatched durability and utility. Granite |
| granites emit radon, the amount produced in a | | | | countertops are designed to last for the life of your |
| kitchen from the granite is less than in outdoor | | | | home, so purchasing granite is an investment in the |
| air.” Despite the claims made about the dangers | | | | future. |
| of granite, no published scientific study has yet | | | | Granite countertops continue to grow in popularity. |
| provided evidence that granite countertops present | | | | Available in thousands of colors and grain patterns, |
| any danger to consumers. | | | | they offer natural beauty and durability, and can add |
| Granite countertops have experienced a surge in | | | | significantly to your home’s resale value. Despite |
| popularity in the last decade, seeing a tenfold | | | | recent scare stories, the scientific evidence shows |
| increase in sales. Combining unmatched durability with | | | | that granite countertops are safe and present no |
| natural elegance, granite countertops are available in a | | | | health risk to consumers. Granite offers unique |
| variety of stone patterns and colors. Since granite is | | | | advantages to professional chefs and occasional |
| a naturally occurring material, every countertop is | | | | cooks alike, and provides a custom look for your |
| unique, allowing homeowners to achieve a custom | | | | kitchen that no other material can match. With all |
| look for their kitchens and baths. Due to their | | | | these advantages, granite countertops may be a |
| popularity, replacing existing countertops with granite | | | | sound investment for your home. |
| can increase the value of your home, in some cases | | | | |