Inspection Services

Granite Countertops

Balancing the beauty and risk of natural stone

For many modern homeowners, granite countertops represent the ultimate in luxury kitchen décor. With their sleek, polished appearance, natural variation, and rugged durability, it’s no wonder they’ve become so popular. However, it’s important to note that a certain measure of risk is associated with granite and other natural stone.

If you have any granite or other natural stone work—whether it’s in your home’s foundation, mantle, chimney, kitchen counters, or bathroom sink top—you could be exposing your family to some degree of radon and radiation.

This risk is so new that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not yet have any protocol for testing. And while the EPA has always encouraged testing of basements for radon gas, certain areas with supplemental ventilation (including kitchens and bathrooms -- those in which granite countertops are most likely to be present) have been specifically excluded from testing recommendations.

If you are considering buying a home, be sure to choose a home inspector with the proper state licensing and the capability to test for radon gas and radiation. ASAP Inspection Services is fully licensed and equipped to test homes for exposure to these substances.