Marble Institute Cutting Edge Newsbriefs

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Experts and Research Agree: Granite Countertops Do Not Pose Health Risk to Consumers
PRNewswire (08/11/08)

Consumers can be confident about the safety of granite countertops in their homes, say a growing number of respected experts as well as respected scientific research. "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. McCarthy said some news stories about radon and granite have failed to address the critical role that air dilution plays in testing, measuring and interpreting radon levels in homes. "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 and did not provide a real idea of the amount of radon in the ambient kitchen. The fact sheet concludes that no action needs to be taken to remove granite countertops in existing homes. Jim Hogan, president of the Marble Institute of America, said he could understand why the issue of granite and radon has become emotional for many consumers, but he encouraged them to consider all the facts. "We all have to make our own choices and decisions about things in our home," Hogan said. "But the bottom line is that when it comes to countertops, the science tells us there's no reason to make health issues a factor in whether you choose granite. "
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The Natural Stone Council: Granite Is as Good a Material as Anything Else
eFluxMedia.com (07/30/08) ; Garrel, Alex

The Natural Stone Council recently announced that it considers granite safe for indoor use. The NSC announcement came about a week after a New York Times' report stating that granite countertops include uranium, a metallic element that can emit a cancer-linked substance called radon. However, an independently organized study funded by the Marble Institute of America found granite safe to use. The research covered some of the most common types of granites used in countertop surfaces in the United States, including Baltic Brown, China Black, New Venetian Gold, Tropic Brown, Yellow Star, and Dakota Mahogany. The Environmental Protection Agency has backed up the Marble Institute's stance, declaring that there is no evidence that suggest granite countertops present a health risk.
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MIA Renews Alliance on OSHA Training
Kitchen and Bath Design News (07/22/08)

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Marble Institute of America (MIA) confirmed that they have extended their alliance to provide safety information and training for members of the stone industry. Over the past two years, OHSA and MIA have worked together to offer information about job-related hazards, including the risks associated with handling slabs of stone and being exposed to silica. The two organizations also jointly developed training and education programs for employers and employees. "MIA's alliance with OSHA has had a very positive impact on the safety awareness of the natural stone industry and on the tools made available to help train employees and improve job safety," said MIA Executive Vice President Gary Distelhorst.
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New Manhattan Landmark Features Indian Granite
Stone World (08/01/08) ; Adams, Jennifer

Kashmir White granite and Jerusalem Gray limestone play a starring role in the new Bank of America Tower, the country's most eco-friendly high-rise. Hauppauge, N.Y.-based Hindustan Granites Inc. supplied much of the stone for the 55-story Manhattan skyscraper. The designers, Cook + Fox Architects, used more than 40,000 square feet of Kashmir White for the floors of the lobby and second floor as well as in the elevators and outdoor areas. Jerusalem Gray panels in the walls of the main lobby are included to make the room look more expansive. The building has been submitted for U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) platinum approval.
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Marble for Unknowns Tomb Just Sits
Denver Post (08/18/08) ; Lofholm, Nancy

Efforts to replace Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns--also called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--are being held back by red tape as well as protests by veterans and historians. The project is estimated to cost $2.2 million, but the use of donated marble could save the U.S. government the estimated $80,000 cost of seeking private bids and the roughly $90,000 cost of purchasing and transporting the stone. A Glenwood Springs, Colo., man has offered to donate a massive block of marble to replace the monument, which developed two cracks in the 1930s and more recently sprouted a new one, and he also has arranged for the room-sized chunk of stone to be trucked from Colorado to Arlington, Va., at no charge. In addition to the financial advantages of accepting the offer, supporters point out that the $31,000 piece of marble was carved from the same Yule Quarry where the material for the Tomb of the Unknowns was extracted almost 80 years ago. It took scouts nearly five years to locate an unflawed piece that would resemble the original, gold-veined stone. Accepting the donation, however, complicates the federal government's project bidding and specification process--particularly since a Vermont quarry has signaled interest in competing for the Tomb replacement job. At the same time, many historians and veterans do not want the original monument replaced at all--although experts have declared that an eventuality, even if only repairs are done now. For the time being, the donated chunk of marble remains perched on a hillside near the town of Marble, as Arlington works on a new study to determine precisely when and how to replace the monument. If it ultimately is not used for the Tomb, the block of marble could be sold back to the quarry and sold in pieces for other projects.
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Stone Inside: Innovations for a Better Climate
Litos (06/01/2008) ; Todt, Gesa

The work of German electrical engineer Kolja Kuse, his stonemason brother Bjarn, and the plastics engineer Siegfried Brauner over the past decade has elevated fiber-reinforced natural stone as an environmentally friendly construction material, not only in the building business but also in applications previously unimaginable. Traditionally, fiber-reinforced natural stone has consisted of compressed stone that is reinforced on its bottom side by carbon tissue. When the stone is picked up with its bottom side facing down, it sags but does not break. But when the stone is turned so that its reinforced side is facing up, it breaks immediately. As a result, fiber-reinforced stone has only been found in applications such as kitchen tops, elevator coverings, and bathrooms. However, Kuse and his colleagues found that by coating both sides of a compressed piece of stone with carbon fiber, it can be used as a construction material that is lightweight, dimensionally stable, resilient, and shock absorbing. This innovation, known as carbon fiber stone (CFS), can be used in a variety of different applications. For instance, the material can replace steel in the design of buildings and bridges; or it may be used in aerodynamic applications, such as in plane wings or helicopter rotors. In addition to being versatile, CFS is more environmentally friendly than materials such as concrete, aluminum, and steel because it requires less energy to produce.
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Natural stone sinks can enhance kitchen and bathroom design and also offer strength and durability. While stainless steel is still the perennial choice for kitchen sinks, natural stone models are becoming more popular because they come in different colors and are easier to customize. Concrete or cast-stone sinks, for example, can be mixed with different hues; while materials like marble are available in their own wide range of natural colors. Along with color, natural stone sinks can be custom-built with a variety of stones; more common options include marble, travertine, limestone, stone mosaic, and onyx. "It's like a unique fingerprint of nature," says Michael Zimber, founder and president of Stone Forest, a Santa Fe-based supplier. "We're making art pieces that people put in their bathrooms and kitchens"
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Stone Makes a Durable, Trendy Landscaping Material
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (07/26/08) ; Girardi, Tamara Simpson

A growing number of people are opting to use decorative stones to replace mulch or are building a stone retaining wall in their backyard. Homeowners are choosing decorative stone over mulch because it does not have to be replaced annually. Although stone can cost two to three times the cost of mulch and is more difficult to install, it offers a more permanent solution. Other popular stone landscaping projects include ponds and patios. Although many people choose to complete home projects by themselves, it may not be significantly less expensive than hiring a contractor to work with stone. Most projects will require the stone to be cut by tools that a contractor would already have. Stones are also very heavy, so people should be sure that they are able to carry and place the stones before starting work on a retaining wall. Stone for such large projects are also stored in ton pallets, which most homeowners will not be able to transport.
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Marble Touted as Economic Opportunity for N.S.
Burnside News (08/08) ; Partridge, Ken

Akerley, Nova Scotia-based Celtic Marble recently conducted an educational session directed at increasing awareness of the province's superior marble resources and the corporate opportunities they afford. The province has many variations of the material, including rare red marble. At the education session, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources mineral inventory geologist Garth Demont conceded that while the age and quality of the province's marble deposits are on par with that of any other location in the world, there are some challenges in getting to market. "Such quarrying operations face large start-up and marketing costs, plus one of the biggest obstacles is consumer perception," he explained. "If the marble has an Italian stamp on it, you have almost instant market acceptance." MacLeod Resources Ltd. President Chris Trider has already taken steps to overcome this hurdle. He is extracting red marble from a quarry close to River Dennis in Inverness County, and he has initiated relationships in Italy and his stone has been marketed from there since 2005. As such, the company recently signed a new strategic partnership agreement with investors in Shanghai that has already provided stone shipments to China. Trider noted that the market for luxury construction materials like his is significant in China, and he predicts that the relationship will be a long-term one. "Operations like MacLeod Resources are creating good paying jobs in rural areas while maintaining a small environmental footprint," praises Demont. "There's also a lot of export and secondary processing opportunities if we can develop more of these types of quarries across the province." The geologist is working toward accomplishing just that--including by helping to organize an autumn conference where Nova Scotia stone quarry operators can discuss the opportunities for growing their industry.
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Hard Truths: Stone, Clay, Terrazzo, and Concrete Floor Care
Health Facilities Management (07/08) Vol. 21, No. 7, P. 51 ; Griffin, William R.

As buildings begin to use a wider variety of flooring materials, environmental services professionals must ensure they adhere to specific cleaning and installation methods for each material to prevent damage and scratching, especially when it comes to stone and other hard flooring that generally lack protective coatings. Proper preventive maintenance is crucial to avoid costly and lengthy restoration projects. Regular damp mopping, dry soil removal, and floor mats that extend at least 12 feet at each entrance and exit can prevent scratches. However, cleaning professionals must take into consideration the characteristics of the particular flooring material when establishing cleaning programs. Neutral pH cleansers and applications of a penetrating sealer/impregnator every 12 months to 24 months are important for natural stone floors. White or natural hogs hair pads can be used for scrubbing, but abrasive pads or nylon grit brushes will scratch natural stone. When scratches do occur, experts says diamond grinding, honing, and polishing can restore the surfaces. In any case, they underscore the importance of cleaning and maintenance professionals receiving training from qualified stone restoration firms. As for other types of hard flooring, such as ceramic, porcelain, and quarry tile, experts discourage the use of topical coatings or acid or alkaline chemicals.
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Govt Aims to Enhance Marble Export to $500M by 2013
Pakistan Daily Times (07/20/08) ; Kakakhel, Ijaz

Pakistan aims to boost its marble and granite exports to $500 million by 2013, up from $35 million in 2007-08 and $22 million in 2006-07, according to the Ministry of Industries and Production. The marble and granite are exported to countries including the United States, Italy, China, United Kingdom, and Germany, the ministry says. The new target was set after PASDEC (Pakistan Stone Development Company) initiated new model quarry projects, including Model Quarry Khuzdar in the province of Balochistan. The government anticipates it will be able to extract 50,000 tons to 60,000 tons of material from the new quarry once it becomes fully operational in six months. The Khuzdar quarry will rely on machinery rather than blasting or other methods and is expected to generate $7 million each year from the export of raw marble and granite. That figure might increase to $13 million if the stones were to be processed further. A rich supply of high-quality marble is located in Pakistan, including super white, silky, and grey varieties. PASDEC also is planning a marble city.
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Radon, Silica Covered in Pollution Policy Offered Through Schechner Lifson
Marble Institute of America (08/13/08)

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) announced that Schechner Lifson Corp., a preferred provider of insurance and safety management services for the stone industry, in conjunction with an A+ insurer, are introducing a pollution liability policy which includes coverage for radon and silica. The policy, available first for MIA-member stone fabricators, installers and distributors, is the first to offer coverage for radon and silica exposure, said Marc Rosenkrantz, President of Schechner Lifson Corp., a long-time MIA member and prominent educational sponsor. Standard liability policies will not cover pollution claims or the defense of alleged claims, he said. "This policy will enable fabricators, installers and distributors to insulate themselves and their businesses in the event of a suit or loss in cases involving radon and silica," Rosenkrantz explained. "Considering the current issue regarding possible radon emissions from granite countertops, this new policy is very important for the industry," said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of MIA. Limits available for the pollution coverage range from $1,000,000 per occurrence up to $10,000,000, with a $5000 deductible. Premiums are as low as $3000 per year with a three-year commitment. A three-year liability loss history is required to quote. The new pollution policy, available to all MIA members, will be serviced and handled directly through Schechner Lifson Corporation. There will be preferred pricing for MIA Accredited fabricators and contractors. For further information, contact Marc Rosenkrantz at Schechner Lifson at 908-598-7813.
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In Northern Italy, A Medieval Village Restored to Life
Christian Science Monitor (07/25/08) ; Wilson, Amanda

A non-profit community group in the Piedmont region of northern Italy works to preserve the original architecture of medieval stone homes. In Canova and other remote villages, residents left after World War II to work in larger cities, leaving behind ancient stone houses now in disrepair. The Canova Association educates local residents in the small villages of Italy, Ireland, and Turkey about the value of these homes and the centuries-old architecture, which includes built-in ovens, durable stone walls, and wash basins. "Too often, restoration attempts to make buildings seem perfectly new, but then they lose some of their beauty," says Canova Association member and restoration architect Paolo Volorio. "I prefer a method of restoration which understands that houses always changed over time and that there is no 'pure' original structure." Volorio and other association members--many are architects, teachers, and builders from the local community--work with homeowners and help them renovate the houses in order to avoid demolition. With the help of private donations, the Canova Association will expand its restoration enterprise to the neighboring village of Ghesc.
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Outside flooring should be made from a high-quality material. Natural stone paving is a good, low-maintenance choice for outdoor use; and limestone, travertine, granite, and slate paving are among the appealing and durable materials that can be used for this purpose. Sealant for outside paving is particularly crucial in cooking areas to keep natural stone surfaces from staining, and stone dealers often provide tile sealant and treatment that can help protect the stone and offer a finished appearance. Natural stone flooring can be joined with a perimeter of limestone chippings that give off light to make implementation faster and less expensive. Black or white marble is highly attractive, while monotones are modern and offer a noticeable change from stone shades. When creating an outdoor room, it is important that it be built a little higher than the rest of the garden to keep it from looking like a patio. Incorporating an element design such as a natural stone octagonal or sun circle as a focal point is also recommended.
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