The following comments are from a Saratoga man, testing granite for radiation. We have not confirmed the events described below, but his experiences are consistent with our own. Homeowners wishing to confirm these statements should contact the vendors directly.



Today I went to Arizona Tile in Livermore where I planned on testing 2 slabs of Desert Amarillo granite. I drove up there, went to the desk, asked to have 2 slabs separated so I could review them. I then pulled out my Ludlum from my bag and the salesman immediately asked what the device was, I said it was a Geiger counter, he said their policy does not allow them to be used at their facility. I asked why, he said because the results could be influenced by all the other granite in the building. I explained to him that the 2 slabs I was looking at were separated from the other slabs (by about 5') and that the range is about a fingertip length. He said he was sorry but he could not allow the device to be used. I politely told him that he should tell his boss that based on their policy I will not do business with his company and it seems they are trying to hide something. I packed up my stuff and left. I then called the place I rented the device from (http://www.radpro.com/rentals.html) and told him what happened. Kurt advised me that they may have a point but if the slabs to be tested were at least 10' away from other slabs there would not be any cumulative radiation picked up by the Ludlum counter.



I then went to Marble City here in San Jose to test 2 other slabs that I had been considering. I tested the slabs and they were fine, walking out I spoke to Remy and told her my findings and she said they hired someone to test the dust created by the slabs. She was very open to me testing and actually wanted the information on where I rented the device since she may want to purchase one and let consumers test slabs they are considering. I complemented her on her attitude and told her that she would probably get more business if she allowed consumers to test slabs.



I then went to All Architectural in San Jose and test 2 other slabs. I told Kimberly the sales person that the slabs were clean and she too mentioned that they hired someone to test their slabs. She had no problem with me testing slabs.