Radon and radiation from granite countertops are on the agenda for a September scientific Symposium.



The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) meet every September to discuss issues related to radioactive radon gas in homes. This year, AARST will have five peer-reviewed presentations on radioactive granite, plus a panel discussion on the topic.



Two of the speakers analyzed granite from a Bay Area kitchen. San Jose Examiner Linda Kincaid was involved in the discovery of radioactive Jupurana Bordeaux granite in Cathy Wood's San Carlos kitchen. Ms. Kincaid will present details of the case study, and she will discuss hazards related to radioactive granite dust in fabrication shops.



Samples of Wood's radioactive granite were analyzed by physicist Dr. Daniel Steck. Dr. Steck will discuss his measurements of gamma radiation and radon gas from granite.



A panel discussion will present current thoughts on radioactive granite. Ms. Kincaid will discuss her experiences with elevated radon in California homes.



19th International Radon Symposium

American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists

St Louis, MO

September 20-23, 2009



MEASUREMENT OF GRANITE COUNTERTOP AND OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS RADON EMANATION, J.L. Alvarez

PRE- AND POST-MARKET MEASUREMENTS OF GAMMA RADIATION AND RADON, Daniel Steck, Ph.D.

RADIOACTIVE GRANITE: A CASE STUDY, Linda Kincaid, MPH, CIH

RADON FLUX MONITOR FOR IN SITU MEASUREMENT OF GRANITE AND CONCRETE SURFACES, Paul Kotrappa, Ph.D.

RADON’S EMISSION IN ORNAMENTAL ROCKS, Y.S. Gavioli

THE STATE OF THE GRANITE DEBATE - Trudy Smith, Panel Moderator

The issue of radon and radioactivity from granite countertop materials has caused an intensive public debate over the amount of emanation, the proper devices to test for it, the prevalence of radioactive granite, and the proper evaluation of the health risk to occupants of a home with this material. The discussion will not advocate granite testing by the Radon industry but it will update members on the current findings of researchers and industry organizations looking into the issues. Using the public interest in the controversy to advocate whole house radon testing will also be covered as serious levels of soil based radon have been found while testing granite in homes.