Marble Institute of America: Press Room

MIA Response to the New York Times

Cleveland, OH - On July 24, The New York Times Home Section published an article headlined, “What’s Lurking in Your Countertop.”

Typical of stories that seek to excite, rather than inform, the article repeatedly talks about “radiation levels” without explaining what they mean. The article plays to the emotions, rather than basing its focus on scientific fact. In short, it follows the playbook used by two of the largest synthetic stone manufacturers who seek to increase their own sales by raising fears about natural stone.

For example, the piece fails to point out that repeated studies have found that granite most commonly used in home countertops is safe. Instead, it vaguely mentions one or two stones that someone deemed to be problematic, then goes on to suggest that the only solution is to remove granite from the home.

We all know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s solution for radon infiltration is venting. But that fact is also absent from the article.

We are disappointed that the New York Times has compromised the ultimate goal of sharing truth with its readers. But it is precisely because individuals and companies seek to prey on consumer fears and confusion that the Marble Institute of America is working with the independent scientific community to set standards to test granite for radon.

We are spearheading this effort because no other group – not in the scientific community, the university community or in government – has chosen to proceed with such standards. Why? Because they don’t see the risk as being significant. If these groups believed the issue merited attention, I can assure you they would find the resources to do the testing that only the MIA has been willing to fund.

That is why we created the Truth About Granite Fund. And, unfortunately, this article makes our efforts – and support for that fund – so critical.

We will provide updates as they become available. Meanwhile, please monitor the reaction to this piece in your markets and let us know about any consumer or customer feedback.

Go Here to Contribute to the Fund

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About the Marble Institute of America
For over 60 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

For more information, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222, e-mail MIAinfo@marble-institute.com, or visit www.marble-institute.com.