Experts and Research Agree: Granite Countertops Pose Little or no Health Risk
Largely because of recent media reports, radon emissions from granite has become a confusing and emotional issue for consumers, many of whom may now be afraid to install granite countertops in their homes or are worried about the countertops they already have. Yet, according to some leading scientific authorities on radiation, radon and risk, their concerns are unnecessary.
“A considerable amount of research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature and all of it comes to the same conclusion: the levels of radon emitted into the air from a granite countertop are not excessive and not showing any risk for the population in their homes,” said Dr. John McCarthy, president of Environmental Health & Engineering, a public health consulting firm in suburban Boston.
Dr. David Ropeick, author of the book “Risk,” agreed with McCarthy that recent media reports are needlessly confusing consumers about the safety of granite countertops, “To properly measure radon, one must calculate the emission rate in connection with the area of granite and the volume of air in the home,” he said. “Much like paint fumes do, radon generally will dilute into a home’s air. These concentrated emissions will generally dilute down to harmless levels. To get even close to the type of dangerous levels of radon exposure that’s been reported in news articles recently, a consumer would have to completely seal off the room and stay in that room 24/7 – for 72 years.”
Health Physics Society (HPS), a scientific and professional organization whose members specialize in occupational and environmental radiation safety and which has no connection to the granite countertop industry, took issue with the New York Times story, “What’s Lurking in Your Countertop” published July 24, 2008. According to an HPS fact sheet about the Times story:
* The procedure used by the contractor was not appropriate (as per Environmental Protection Agency radon measurement methods) and did not provide a real idea of the amount of radon in the ambient kitchen.
* Even if the measurement had been valid, one measurement result based on one type of granite in one particular home is not an indication of radon exposure in any other kitchen with a granite countertop.
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KOHLER® Provides Grant for New MIA “Making Money in a Tough Economy” Webinar Series for Business Owners - 1st to air September 10th
Today’s ever-changing business environment demands that stone companies stay ahead of the competition. The Marble Institute of America (MIA) will be introducing a new "Making Money in a Tough Economy" webinar series offering stone industry owners and key executives the skills and strategies needed to be out in front regardless of the economic conditions. Controlling costs, getting aggressive with marketing efforts, and maximizing sales are all critical components that will be addressed in the upcoming webinars. Five new business owner-oriented webinars (interactive, 60-minute seminars conducted online) will be offered in part through the generous support of the Bold Look of Kohler.
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Consensus Building Among State Health and Environmental Officials Nationwide: Granite Countertops Do Not Pose a Health Risk to Consumers
To clear up consumer confusion about the safety of granite countertops, a growing number of environmental and health agencies from states across the U.S. have issued new statements that all conclude that granite countertops typically found in homes do not pose a health risk to consumers.
Perplexed by inaccurate science and misleading statements about granite, radon and radioactivity reported in the media in recent weeks, consumers are contacting health and environmental agencies in their respective states for reassurance about the safety of granite countertops in their homes. In response, several agencies have issued statements that conclude that granite countertops do not place consumers’ health at risk.
Among the state-based health and environmental agencies that have taken a position on granite countertop safety to date are the Florida Department of Health (FDAH), the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the North Carolina Geological Survey, and the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH).
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2008 Radon Study Released
The Marble Institute of America has announced the conclusion of a four-month study of thirteen of the most popular granites used for kitchen countertops in the United States during 2007. The study shows that these 13 granites, which represent about 80% of the US market, are safe for kitchen countertops.
The issue of granite containing radon has surfaced repeatedly over the years. The origins of these concerns are advertisements and other communications from the manufacturers of radon detection devices and the producers of competing countertop materials. Each time, the MIA has responded by researching the matter to determine if potential health hazards exist. MIA's most recent testing was conducted by L. L. Chyi, a PhD and professor of Geochemistry and Environmental Geology at Akron University, Akron, OH. Dr. Chyi studied thirteen of the most popular granites used in the US as determined by an industry-wide survey. Due to their popularity these 13 materials, based on a limited survey, are believed to represent a large majority of the stone countertop market in recent years.
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MIA Introduces Webinars - Online Training
The MIA Webinar Series provides busy professionals a convenient and affordable way to access valuable professional development and networking opportunities without taking time off from work or paying travel expenses! An MIA Webinar provides your company the opportunity for several staff members to receive professional development with just one-site registration fee. Our next webinar topic is Yellow Pages and Online Search Engines: Being in the Right Place When Customers Look for a Stone Contractor and is scheduled for August 6th at 3:30pm EST.
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MIA Members - StonExpo/Annual Meeting Highlights and Special Offers
The MIA annual meeting, held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2008, will be held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV, from October 15-18, 2008. There is no better place than StonExpo for members to more affordably participate in the industry's finest stone show, take advantage of the industry's most comprehensive educational offerings and network with the industry's most successful professionals. Learn more about special MIA events being held at StonExpo.
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MIA Announces First Direct Mail Marketing Program for Members
For the first time ever, MIA has arranged for its members to have access to state-of-the art demographic tools to help you pinpoint your best customers and potential prospects.
This is the same research used by America’s largest companies, now available to MIA members at a greatly reduced cost. Utilizing these tools will take the guesswork out of your direct mail campaign and all your marketing.
Fill out one simple form for your copy, send us some photos and your logo and we’ll take care of everything else. No running to the printer, the graphic designer or the post office. We’ll mail to your list or we’ll buy you the names of qualified potential new customers. Just one new job can pay for your entire investment!
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Australian Stone Association Affiliates with MIA
Following discussions which took place at the Full Frontal Tile & Stone expo the Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) has become an international member of the Marble Institute of America (MIA). With permission from the MIA the ASAA will reproduce a number of MIA documents, modified for local consumption, which are related to the successful selection, installation, maintenance and cleaning of natural stone.
While this material will bear the ASAA logo, it will be clearly identified as the intellectual property of the MIA. While much of the material will feature on the ASAA website, some items will be printed as ASAA guides. All materials modified for the Australian market will be approved by the MIA prior to release.
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Design Manual Downloads NOW Available
Individual chapters of the acclaimed Marble Institute of America's Dimension Stone Design Manual VII (DSDM) are now available for download on the Internet.
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Upcoming Regional Education
(1/2 Price for Additional Attendees)
December 20 - Dallas, TX - Using Natural Stone in Commercial Projects
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Congratulations to the Newest Accredited Companies
The MIA would like to extend a hearty congratulations to our newest Accredited Natural Stone Fabricators, Marble Emporium in Northbrook, IL, Innovative Surfaces in Hastings, MN, Ferazzoli Imports of New England in Middletown, CT, MARBLEX in Fairfax, VA, Johnson Granite in Mt. Airy, NC, and Creative Countertops in Las Vegas, NV. In entering the ranks of accredited companies, Marble Emporium and Ferazzoli Imports have proven themselves to be among the best companies in the natural stone industry.
Click Here for the Complete List.
Win a Trip to Verona, Italy and Marmomacc
The Pinnacle Award winner that is selected as the best across all categories will receive the Grande Pinnacle Award,which is being designed and created in Verona, Italy. This award also entitles the winner to round-trip economy airfare, 4-night hotel room, meals and registration to Marmomacc 2009,as well as other perks such as an invitation to the Gala Dinner that closes the world’s largest stone show, “Marmomacc.”
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Natural Stone Council Undertakes Sweeping Environmental Assessment of Industry
The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaborative organization representing business and trade associations that promote stone under the Genuine Stone™ brand, today announced that they will launch an industry-wide survey to assess environmental performance in early 2008.
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MIA Freight Program has Cost Saving Benefit for US Members
MIA U.S. Members can save significant amounts of money on several types of shipping. This money saving program is administered by Partnership.
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