I was at a radon re-certification class yesterday and they had a speaker from a radon lab in New Jersey called Radiation Data. It is the lab where I also send my radon kits to be analyzed. The topic of radon in granite counter tops in homes was discussed. I really don’t think there should be very much debate at all. Simply, the amount of radon that is released from granite counter tops is very minimal. Yes granite counter tops can release radon however not enough to be of real concern. In my opinion the whole radon released from granite counter tops is way overblown. Another issue is that there is no set methodology for testing in place. So one company may test one way and then another company may have another set of protocols for testing granite. I think the main take home message here is that yes radon is a serious health risk however its the room air that should be tested as a whole and not just the kitchen or the room with the granite. I recommend putting the test as per DEP protocol on the lowest living level and then determining what the radon reading is. if its high then you can remediate. There is really no need to have a separate test for granite. I suspected all along that this was the case, its just nice to hear that others share my point of view. So if anyone has some granite counter tops they want to switch out for my laminated plastic, I will gladly take on the radon risk.  For more  information about new Jersey radon testing, and radon information please visit: Http://NewJerseyRadonTesting.com

John Martino performes NJ home inspections in Northern and Central New Jersey.  He is a licensed and certified NJ home inspector.