solidsurfacealliance.org Blog

This is one proactive guy on this issue. I’ve done business with these guys for three or four years now, great material, great service. Brent and his people have been supportive from day one. This video says it all.

Pinnacle Countertop Solutions tests all slabs

Pinnacle sells to Lousiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Maybe more states nearby, not sure. But were I a customer, I would ask my fabricator if he could order from this importer.

One could be charitable and say that the MIA was caught flat footed by recent events like so many organizations that touch the countertop industry, but that wouldn’t be accurate considering the fourteen year long suppression campaign. One could say though that they aren’t responding to the issues, or shall I say issue.

We received an email last week outlining their position, along with a list of “Talking Points” for use when scared or irate customers called the granite yards or fabrication shops. This week, a local supplier of ours, Architectural Granite & Marble (AG&M) used some of the MIA response near word for word in their own warning and advice to fabricators.

The FAX starts off by saying that no doubt we were inundated by phone calls about the recent “radon scare”. They continue by telling of a conference call with the MIA that convinced them that there is absolutely no evidence that the radon emitted by granite is of harmful amounts. They close by saying the EPA statement is attached to the FAX along with AG&M’s own “Talking Points”.

The next page in the FAX has contact info for a PR firm, Cohn & Wolfe.
Their Headline screams: “EPA Confirms that Granite Countertops Pose No Significant Health Risk, Undercutting”Junk Science” Fear Mongering, Says Marble Institute of America.

They go on to say that the EPA’s recent statements (last Friday, the 25th of July) reaffirmed that granite countertops posed no significant health risks and discounted alarmist reports about the safety of granite.

They go on to quote selectively from the EPA’s statement, while seemingly ignoring that the EPA simply is saying “We don’t know, test your countertop”. They continue by mentioning that brick, concrete, and granite contain small amounts of natural radiation, ignoring the fact that some granites contain enough Uranium for profitable Uranium mining operations.
They then link to the EPA statement, which is a good thing as we will see in a minute or two.
The Press Release goes on to quote Jim Hogan, president of the MIA. Hogan claims that recent tests by university scientists and Consumer Reports show no risk. He continues by saying that every time researchers apply rigorous scientific standards, they show no risk from granite. Claiming “fear mongering”, he says their goal is to facilitate the creation of standards for testing granite countertops.

What was left out of this statements was that the “university scientists” were actually one scientist, Dr. Chyi, who refuses to answer even the most basic questions about the “study”. This “study” was not published after peer review, and while some of the actual measurements are credible, the introduction and conclusions seem to be written toward marketing efforts, not scientific goals.

The Consumer Reports “study”? Two granites,tested in a completely non scientific method. Neither was pretested to see if it warranted testing, just two random samples of granite.
No one is claiming that the majority of granites are hazardous, just that a few are potentially hazardous with enough exposure.

The MIA is attempting to put together a team of scientists and experts, but one should ask if any have recently jumped ship. No reputable scientist would remain once they realize there is actual proof that numerous granite colors pose a serious problem, nor would they be welcome to contribute if they became convinced of the issue.

What is simply hilarious is that the EPA was working to change their Friday statements as this FAX was being delivered. By 8:08 p.m that very day, Monday the 28th , a new statement was on the EPA website, complete with an extensive list of granite/Radon/radiation FAQ questions.
That will be another article, let’s continue looking at the EPA’s newest stance compared to their new stance last Friday, three day ago, a single working day ago.

The FAX closes by listing AGM’s “Talking Points” for fabricators to use when panicked or angry consumers. I have paraphrased their remarks below, will link to or scan and post the entire statement later.

* EPA says Granite Counters Are Safe They go on to claim that the EPA reviewed the studies cited in the news reports and saw no need for additional research
into the safety of granite. They claim the EPA said they had no reliable data to conclude anything.
* Junk Science Spread By Competitors. Misinformation campaigns have been fianced by manufacturers of synthetic stone to scare customers.
* Only Real Studies Financed by the MIA. Some are critical of the MIA’s scientific studies, but no one else has been willing to fund the research. If not for the
MIA, there would be no real science, only junk science.
* Consumer Reports confirms Safety Americas foremost consumer protection institute recently conducted its own limited independent tests and found no evidence
of health risks. They said none of the samples tested emitted Radon.
* Radon Emissions Tend to Be Insignificant. Some granites emit the gas, but they claim that the most active granites tested were below the EPA remediation levels.
* Solution to Radon Gas is Simple. Open a window, install a venting system. They continue to claim that soil based Radon is the largest source.
* Other Natural Stone Unaffected. They say the rumors and misinformation is about igneous stones only. They say marble, limestone, travertine, slate and
soapstone are not being questioned.
* If Appropriate. “I would never have installed granite countertops in my own home if I thought they pose any health risks at all”.

Wow! Is this not amazing?

This isn’t the first time they said the testing is over with, they said that in their June Newsletter as well.

By Junk Science, they are referring to Dr. Llope of Rice University who is testing granite samples using Gamma Spectrometry. This device counts the decays, but also gives an energy level for the radiation being produced, allowing an expert to prove what radioisotope is in the granite. With that info, the radiation readings can be corrected to show exactly how much radiation a person is being exposed to.

Only Real studies financed by the MIA? The Chyi study wasn’t published, which is the only true mark of a truly scientific study. The only other “study” was a few years ago when they paid a retired geologist to say that the average granite countertop has only one decay per year! Even a low level granite will have many decays per square inch per minute. A medium level granite will have billions, even trillions of decays per year. The MIA has a long history of paying for opinions and then calling them studies.

Consumer reports, well, two small samples put in a room with a radon detector. Hardly a real world test, hardly scientific.

Radon emissions. Most of the average granites, Uba Tuba, Santa Cecilia , are low. Maybe 4 to 6 pCi/Sf/Hr Radon emitted. Then there are some that emit over 600 pCi/Sf/Hr. We are talking about tens of thousands of pCi of Radon per hour. Without a constant flow of fresh air or ventilation, the Radon levels will rise. Radon has been proven to add to a homes Radon level.
Sure ventilation will help, after you spent thousands to build energy efficient. I have no problem with ventilation being used, just tell the consumer that it will be needed before you take the deposit.

Other natural stone, well some Marble has been tested. Some slate has been found to be elevated. I’d check all natural stone before installation.

And the last “Talking Point”, well, when is it appropriate to lie to a consumer? When is it okay to convince them to use a product because you yourself used it? Why is it germane what you “thought”? Why not make it scientific by measurements?

While writing this article, I took some time to call our local AG&M location to warn them of the EPA’s changing position, that they really needed to read the new statement and reconsider AG&M’s position in light of the new info. In return, I got a earful of “Harmful plastic vapors, poisonous dust and glue used in solid surface”. I calmed her down, reminded her that I knew far better than she did that solid surface had none of those issues, reminding her of solid surface’s NSF51 rating, it’s FDA approved materials, and the vast number of tests that are done prior, during, and after solid surface is made. At the end, I reminded her that we were her customers, we wanted them to stay in business, that we had helped in the past (We had done a quick survey of her yard, even her desk that showed slightly hotter than normal), and would be here if they needed any help in the future. Kim agreed to pass the info along to her company president.

Sadly, it was no surprise that we received an email a few minutes later, firing us as a customer and requesting that we remove any links to the AG&M website. They also requested that we remove any reference to them being a supplier.

Not a problem, I’ll refer to them as a former supplier that fired us for supporting the testing of granite. Here is the email off our website contact form.

“name = Kim Redbird
email = kimr@agmgranite.com
Comments = If you reference AG&M anywhere on your website, our owners
have asked that you please remove AG&M as one of your vendors, suppliers
or anything related to your company.

Thank you.”

This says it all. But read the comment section, such a lot of people attacking the idea of testing granite.

And a reporter finds a story too close to home.

CBS Morning show shows a Solid Surface Alliance granite sample

I thought granite was green?

A worried homeowner?

First some background. Jim Hogan is the current President of the Marble Institute of America, the trade association for the stone industry. Mostly a ceremonial position, a guy named Garren holds the puppet strings, commanding a mid six digit salary. The MIA has actively been attempting to squash any discussion of granite and Radon/radiation since 1995. I found this post from the MIA on GardenWeb.com

So here we go, hold your nose. I am going to add my comments in bold.

Posted by jimhogan (My Page) on Sat, Jul 26, 08 at 19:17

I’m extremely disappointed by all the recent media attention about granite countertops and radon. What’s most upsetting to me is there simply is no reason for consumers to panic. Why? Let’s consider the facts:
• On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued statements that reaffirm that granite countertops pose no significant health risk. The statement says: “While natural minerals such as granite may occasionally emit radon gas, the levels of radon attributable to such sources are not typically high. EPA believes the principal source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process. Granite is a natural mineral formed by earth’s geology. It is mined and used to produce commercial products such as countertops. It is possible for any granite sample to contain varying concentrations of uranium that can produce radon gas. Some granite used in countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels. However, EPA has no reliable data to conclude that types of granite used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels.” Exactly, they have no reliable data yet, which is why everyone needs to test their granite. However, Mr. Hogan is leaving out much more in that EPA statement, selectively cherry picking his comments while ignoring the fact that despite the lack of funds to study, they are taking this issue seriously.
• The statements can be found at the EPA website, here at this link.
• Consumer Reports, America’s foremost consumer protection institute, recently conducted its own limited independent tests of granite countertops and found no evidence that granite countertops pose a health risk. They sure were limited, two granites were checked, neither were checked for radiation levels before the test. Remember, no radiation, no Radon. But you have to qualify that because if you only test for Gamma, you might possibly miss some Radon producing granites or some serious Beta or Alpha radiation emitters.In fact, none of the granite countertops tested by Consumer Reports were found to be emitting radon. According to Consumer Reports, similar findings were recently generated by other well-conducted studies of granite countertops, and those studies found that, of a large number of countertops tested, only a few samples emitted minute levels of radon. This is an absolute lie. Hogan refuses to state which studies he is relying on, but the only ones that he has been shilling for was the ridiculous article written in 1995 by Langmuir and the article written by Dr. Chyi this may. Neither article was published, indeed only the Chyi effort even remotely approaches scientific standards, while falling short.

• Beyond the EPA statements and Consumer Reports tests, countless studies over the years have found that the granite commonly used in countertops is safe to consumers. One of the most recent studies was conducted by the University of Akron. Dr. L.L. Chyi, who led this study, concluded that “Radon in countertops is not an issue.” Results of the Akron study are available on MIA’s website, www.marble-institute.com. Uhh, you mentioned one unpublished study, were are the other “countless” studies
To eliminate confusion resulting from the junk science and inconsistent testing that’s been played up in the media these past few days, the Marble Institute is working with scientists and other experts to establish universal standards for testing granite countertops for radon emissions. So a professor of Nuclear Physics at Rice University conducting Gamma Spectrometry testing of granite samples is junk science? Are Radon lab experts showing strong radiation and Radon being produced (4 pCi/L in one sample, 500 pCi/L in the other), are these engineers also doing junk science? The goal is to build a scientific consensus around testing protocols so that all research can be done consistently. Were that the case, then why did one of the scientists you claimed were on your side also submit a list of qualified experts for consideration of a Protocol formation board to another group? Could it be that he thought your trade association was not looking for the facts, but just to show that all granite was safe? Who in there right mind would allow your group to set the protocols that set the rules for the testing?

Yes, the Marble Institute of America represents granite manufacturers and, yes, we’re committed to looking out for their best interests. But we’re equally committed to looking out for the best interests of America’s consumers. That’s because we understand that is in everyone’s best interest to confirm once and for all that granite is every bit as safe as it is beautiful, durable and practical. But what about the hot granite that has been proven to exist? Why did this not get studied 14 years ago? Why not five years ago when it arose again? This time, you found out that Build Clean was going to challenge you, why did you not have that “study” published after peer review so that it would have been a truly trustworthy study?

End Quote of MIA’s Jim Hogan.

Now, the MIA is renowned for using unpublished “studies” in their marketing efforts. They hired Dr. Snyder to do a test, without having it published after peer review. Peer review, as we probably all know, is where they take a submitted study to a committee of experts who scrutinize it closely. The info must be present to allow any other interested person to reproduce the study exactly, all statements MUST be supported by footnotes to previous PUBLISHED studies, then any weak points or alternative results must be considered. Only after the study has been vigorously questioned and the committee satisfied is the study allowed to be published.

As an example, we were quoted a rate of $1,500 to reproduce the study that the MIA had Dr. Snyder do, but this time including solid surface in the samples tested. We decided that Dr. Snyder lacked the credibility required for an honest test, although the thought of turning a hired gun on it’s previous master was pretty inviting.

So, now that one understands that experts come cheap for their opinion disguised as a “study”, one can understand that if the goal is to have a puppet to make your moves, that this is the way to go.

In comparison, our side supports independent scientists like Dr. Llope, Dr. Steck, Dr. Kitto, all of whom are widely respected and above making a mortgage payment by jotting down what pleases a trade association. The studies underway(one on Radon which has been submitted for peer review and the radiation study by Dr. Llope that is still taking measurements) will be published after peer review, earning them the right to be called scientific.

Truly, in all my 50 years, I have never seen such an incompetent trade association. One wonders how it was possible that they managed to keep this covered up for so many years.

At times, one just has to shake their head in wonder. Yesterday, James Gross, Purcasing Manager for G&L Marble, admitted that they knew of the Radon and radiation issue for over a year. That employee has used the screen name of “vrjames” on Gardenweb.com in their kitcen forum for many years. The fact that he was high up in the company was just revealed today because of an astute gardenweb.com reader.

Of course they claim ignorance and say I have been remiss in certain manners, but they lead with this:

“First of all we must admit Al has come up with something. Just exactly what that something is, we do not know yet. He has shown there are “hot spots” in some granite, and it just so happens that one of the stones is from our quarry. ”

“This has taken us by surprise, and I was not convinced Al had anything until I saw his U-tube video a few months ago.”

“Al, what is so very disappointing is that at no time did you approach G&L or Stone Africa regarding the information you discovered. THIS is why everyone is skeptical of your motives. If you really were concerned for the granite consumer, don’t you think you would have made the call?”

End Quote.

Of course the post contains much more, disdain for my methods, claims that there is no credible evidence yet. I’ll let others read for themselves.

A few posts later, “kareninknoxville” is wondering why:

“I hate to be the “doubting Thomas” in this but….why did the purchasing manager from G & L Marble use vrjames’ GW member name? Why not his own?”

“laxsupermom” replies:

“karenfromknoxville, the purchasing manager’s name is James. I’d have to guess he is vrjames.”

Notice that this poster is not 100% supportive of my info, said it felt “spammish”, yet she has no problem with the purchasing manager for a huge natural stone company hiding his association for many, many, years.

James Gross, the G&L Purchasing Manager responded:

“I have been contirbuting on this site for the past 4 years, purely as a personal endeavor to assist with granite installation issues. I have never hid the fact that I work for G&L but I do not lead with the information either.”

I finially added two and two last week when vrjames said we had mentioned his company as having a problem, initially I thought this guy worked for Bedrock international, but my wife provided the clues that proved it was G&L. Another poster didn’t get it either, so this fact was not common knowledge.

“I apologize for being slow and not putting the GW name vrjames and James Gross together. I didn’t know vrjames worked for G & L Marble and that vrjames may be his GW name.”

All of this leads up to some very interesting issues. If G&L’s Purchasing Manager had been not only reading all the information in these debates over several years, but actively attempting to suppress the discussion, why would anyone give him credibility now?

Also, doesn’t this absolutely prove that an employee with specific responsibility for purchasing completely ignored the issue for a very long time? Sure he says the videos convinced him a few months ago, so why did he continue to fight to silence the discussion instead of imeadiately looking into this issue to protect his companies, himself, and his customers?

Instead, I am castigated for not calling G&L, despite this man’s intimate knowledge of everything I had posted for month after month on this isssue. Even Dr. Llope, the Rice Univeristy Physicist, posted many, many, posts that proved the existence of a serious problem.

As you read the thread, you will notice “revans1″ being dismissive of my information, yet there is a story behind that as well. “revans1″ is a guy named Randy, works in the insurance field, down south. Not going to release all the details, but I know exactly who he is.

Randy was one of the more vicious attackers from the last years debates on Gardenweb. During the brawls, he followed me back to thefabricatornetwork.com, a countertop fabricator forum where I posted a lot on these isssues. Randy read everything I had written the past years, would cherry pick sentences in an attempt to discredit me.

Guess what? After I was banned, Randy must have finished reading my posts, because he suddenly apologized for his behaviour, then later said he had become convinced that I was truly searching for the truth of the matters. Randy then became a voice of reason, at times telling former allies to shut up if they couldn’t contribute to the discussion.

Since I was banned on Gardenweb, Randy stood in my place for a few months, actually helping contact posters for more info in some cases. Once I was able to rejoin, Randy was some what distant, always taking a position that made it clear I was not the issue, but that he also didn’t agree with everything I said. Fair enough……

However, the dirty dozen or so on Garden web, all associated with granite in some manner, a kitchen designer who had recomended plenty of it (reputation at stake after arguing last year), stone fabricators, granite tile guys that also installed granite, people who worked for granite companies, even plain old homeowners that either didn’t believe or worse, had huge investments in granite installed in their home, all of thes people continued to hammer any attempt at a civil discussion on the issues. Who wants to find out that their home value just dropped because everyone suddenly found out the truth about granite and Radon/radiation?

So in a twisted attempt to calm the dirty dozen, Randy started with attacks on my methods and info, despite being a supporter and avid reader of my work on Fabnet. I realized he was just using distance to get the others to admit the important points that I was bringing to the discussion, I guess he realized that if the info came from me, the others would dismiss it out of hand. Indeed, he was correct, most of the rabid opponents admited that they would dismiss all info I provided.

To me it was clear at that point that this was ego getting in the way of listening to the truth, that despite Randy’s best efforts, reason would never hold sway. So, tired of Randy’s personal attacks, I outed the guy. No, the dirty dozen wouldn’t care, although they might have turned on Randy, but surely the reasonable readers would figure things out.

And there was a spate of new voices, saying that “That damn Al” wasn’t the issue, that I was far more polite and reasonable than the other side, that I was asking the tough questions that needed answering. But despite the Houston TV story and Dr. Llope vindicating my position, despite the New York Times and CBS news absolutely proving that some granites were radioactive as hell itself, I was banned again after complaints from those who vehemetly shouted down any discussion. Almost every single one of the dirty dozen actively attempted to convince homeowners from testing! Paragraphs after paragraph of postings almost begging the person who was cocerned, even Shivakasi grantie owners (!!!), that testing their granite was handing me a victory!

An absolutely stunning window into the depths the stone industry will go to prevent this subject from resulting in comprehensive testing of granite materials. It also shows an incredible tolerance for the companies selling proven toxic materials, such is the emotional power of the mind, prefering to cling to the waning status symbol that was granite despite scientists and govt agencies warning of potential problems that need addressing.

So now, one who has been labeled as the most knowlegeable on the subject, is prevented from answering questions, despite the many posts the last few days reassuring consumers that their granite is likely safe (while also saying to get it checked just to be sure). The one person that fought tooth and nail against the stone industry has no voice while every other participant in the brawl is allowed to continue spreading the lies, indeed, new stoners are pouring in including the President of the MIA!

Everyone will agree that the MIA couldn’t show up till I was silenced, no one else had the experience, the knowledge, or was deeply involved in the huge but loose alliance of those who put this issue in the national news.

Despite this, there are homeowners in that very thread saying that depending on vauge EPA statements that don’t really vindicate granite is not a good idea. Another poster warns that many lawyers are looking into this and that due dillignece should be done.

No doubt the consumer and I have lost this battle on gardenweb, unless…..

I can convince enough of the readers of this site to register and start asking the questions that need answering.

People, I have spent thousands of hours and thousands of dollars to get this into view. Now I need help. Please do this, if not for me, for those that may have or might be harmed by the radiation/Radon from granite countertops.

We are getting almost 2,000 visitors per day on the Solid Surface Alliance site, despite not being mentioned in any of the national media events. If enough people register outrage on my being banned, or just ask why, then start asking the tough questions themselves, this victory can be reversed.

Go get em!

Thanks,
Al Gerhart.

A few weeks ago, we contacted Dr. Chyi, the author of the Marble Institute’s new article on Radon emission from granite. I say article because the work was not peer reviewed or published, the only reliable mark of a truly scientific study.

The study was rushed, started in Feburary after Build Clean started asking questions. Revealed in mid May, two and a half months not a lot of time to test, sort the data out, write a report, find other scientific studies that support your work for footnote use, then submit for peer review and eventual publication.

These scientists live and die by their published works. I can think of little reason not to submit this paper for publication, unless it falls short of scientific journal standards.

I had numerous questions about the study and asked Dr. Chyi for comments on several issues.

Here is my entire email to Dr. Chyi :

“Hello Dr. Chyi,

I am curious about this report that the MIA is circulating. Specifically, is this entire report your work, or did you provide a different version, perhaps more condensed that they added an introduction or conclusion.

I am interested in the Radon/radiation link to granite and have read many of the studies out there on the subject. The MIA report seemed different and I thought I would ask.

Thanks for your work in this area, it is needed.”

I thought it was rather neutral, for me at least. Dr. Chyi did not agree, here is his reply:

“Dear Mr. Gerhart:

I take it from your note that you assume the MIA somehow changed the report. I want to stress that it did NOT. The MIA has been very supportive of appropriate scientific method — and insistent that we use proper protocols for this study. I would not have participated had that not been the case and, frankly, I resent the implication that I would in any way compromise research standards to help anyone achieve a commercial goal.

Sincerely,

L. L. Chyi, Ph.D.
Professor of Geology and Civil Engineering”

Hmmm, this is the first time an author of a scientific report I have contacted had a problem with questions. Others contacted, several dozen, were estatic that people were reading, and answering questions was never a problem. In fact, many of the scientific authors went to considerable effort to provide anwers and assistance. Dr. Chyi’s taking offense, even when a ready excuse was offered, that it was possible that the MIA modified his work, made it even more inexplicable.

The meat of the matter was that the report seemed to differ from some of the published studies on this issue, I had questions. Dr. Chyi’s refusal to consider a simple question as simply that is so out of character for a scientist. Indeed, that is the process by which science advances, you put out a study or theory, others question it mercilessly till the idea is boiled down and striped of any innaccuracies.

So I sent this reply, hoping to draw Dr. Chyi into answering some of my questions on his report to the MIA.

“Dr. Chyi,

Please accept my apologies if I came off as implying that you were implicated in anything unacceptable in this matter.

I was not insinuating that you compromised anything in the report, in fact I was told by two other PhD that your measurements were fine. What I question was some of the language in the introduction and in the conclusion of the report and was wondering if it was your work or was tacked on your finished report by the MIA. The MIA has a history of using unpublished articles such as your own, some of which have been really opposite of what other studies were finding. They are the ones facing scrutiny, not you.

It seems that some of the suspect language is written with a marketing viewpoint, completely unlike the language in the body of the report, thus my curiosity.

I applaud your effort, especially the finding the higher levels in the Crema Bordeaux, ending the MIA’s 14 year claim that no Radon or radiation can be measured from granite. I am currently sending samples to three PhD level scientists, all university professors, one of which has done extensive work for the stone industry. Also measurements by two long time Radon experts found as much as 500 pCi/SF/hr in some of the samples I provided. One Bordeaux was only 50 pCi/Sf/Hr, but it was hotter than much they had tested. These samples results were forwarded on to one of the professors, and both Radon experts have worked with these professors before so their protocols are reliable.

Those two samples tested for Gamma at 180 and 40 uR/hr respectively, but we brought in a full slab last night that hits over 600 uR/hr Gamma. We are using the Gamma as an indicator to show slabs that need further testing. Our scintillator was found accurate by our local state DEQ Radiation dept head, within 25% of their meter, which was said to be in tolerance for hand held meters. The guy actually defended our measurments on a conference call with the regional EPA head.

I also question the samples that they provided to you, if that was the case. No doubt their goal was to show that granite was generally safe. In that I agree somewhat, but it has also been proven that some small percentage is not safe, and that must be removed from the market. Our granite supplier is currently testing for Gamma in an effort to weed out the higher level stones, reports that out of 8 bundles of stone, they are finding 3 that meet his standards of 20 uR/hr (on contact, PM 1703 scintillator, 30% accuracy range).

He sent a meter that I supplied, the same PM 1703, down to Brazil so that his employee could sort out the bundles prior to purchase. The quarries are very proactive in this, welcoming his man in to help them choose blocks of granite that are lower levels as they are purchasing blocks for processing. It is really quick and simple, over a certain level, and they just don’t by that block of stone.

Out of curiosity, they decided to check the sludge from their two saws. The one used for common granites, like most of those you tested, were not to hot, but the gang saw used to process the Bordeauxs was very hot. They decided to check the huge pit that their water and slurry ran off into, a settlement pit about 200 yards square. The meter started alarming 100 yards a way. They are quite concerned on how to dispose of the material, and worse, had used a lot of it as fill under their building foundations. My suggestion was to haul it to the local uranium mine, only a couple miles from the quarry, and see if they could process it into nuclear fuel feed stock.

I understand they wish to speak to me on this issue, and if I can arrange a call, will ask for detailed measurmenst and distances involved.

As you see, there are others in the granite industry that wish to protect their employees, some have generations of families working for them. I represent that side of the industry, the MIA represents the side that wants to squash any testing that it out of their control.

In this spirit, may I forward a copy of the MIA’s version of your report and ask some specific questions on the Introduction and Conclusions?

Thanks for your respose, understand that I repect the work you did, just have some questions.

Respectfully,
Al Gerhart
Granite fabricator ”

It will be interesting to see Dr. Chyi’s response, or lack of same. Next week, I will go over the MIA report and point out some issues that are either fail to meet scientific standards or defy common sense and facts on the issues.

In the past few years of researching the issue of radiation in granite countertops, many things were found to have multiple recomendations. One issue that has been consistent is the allowed doses for pregnant women, even the skeptics prefer not to take a chance with a developing fetus.

Basically, the developing fetus is far more likely to suffer damage during the first few months of pregnancy. So if a health issue arises with the mother, the dose from radioactive medical procedures must be know, then the risk/benefit of the procedure discussed with the patient, and a decision made on whether or not to have the procedure.

Here is a link to some info on Fetal Doses for common medical procedures.

It is of interest to this discussion in two manners, to show the risk of radiation from any source to developing babies, and to show that granite countertops can provide the same dosage given enough exposure time.

As an example, we have in our shop this week a slab of Four Seasons granite that was found during a survey of one of our suppliers. It measures 12.5 mR/hr for Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Blocking the Alpha resulted 10.5 mR/hr. Blocking both Alpha and Beta resulted in 3.5 mR, Gamma radiation only.

To put this into perspective, an abdomen X ray from the Fetus dose chart showed 240 mR dose, so keeping it conservative by using the Gamma results of the Four Seasons granite, means that 68 hours of standing in front of or sitting at this counter would provide the same radiation exposure. Two hours per day, 34 days. Of course even being in the kitchen within five or six feet will provide a dose as well, less so because of distance, but some radiation will hit.

We recently found a case of a hot spot in Bordeaux, right at the most popular place in the kitchen for sitting. Luckily, the lady’s pregnant neice had not used the penninsula, just the kitchen, so the dose was much lower.

A chest X ray according to the Fetal Dose chart, provides less than 10 mR per Xray. The Health Physics Society claims that an average dose to an adult is around 5 mR per Xray. Using the 3.5 Gamma only from the Four seasons, sitting there for one hour and 25 minutes gives a fetus 5 mR radiation dose.

So like a medical procedure, a pregnant woman needs to know that radiation is coming from that granite countertop, and decide for herself if the risk is acceptable or necessary.

Once found, shipments of simular granite were stopped by our supplier within minutes untill testing equipment was sent to Brazil. Also, current orders for that material were canceled till the existing slabs were checked. Once a meter was delivered to Brazil, they found that 3 out of 8 bundles would be acceptable for radiation content and quality. Once other importers start measuring radiation when purchasing granite, expect prices to rise on the low level slabs and prices to drop on the high radiation level slabs. Then it will become even more important for a homeowner to see the slabs tested before their very eyes as a cheaper high radiation level slab could be substituted for a more costlier low radiation level slab.

As this effort to get high radiation granite off the market progresses, we are finding more and more allies. Recently, we ran across a man who has been working for the last 18 years on the issue of Radon, concrete, /building materials in general.
Bill Levy, of Associated Radon Services, Stuart Florida, has turned out to be a treasure trove of information on Radon. His company is able to measure new home natural ventilation rates by using tracer gas decay measurements show just how Radon can build up in homes. Basically, you have a source of Radon, be it soil based, from concrete, a granite countertop, stone tiles, or some other source, that is emitting a fairly consistent amount of Radon gas. What matters as much as the amount of gas produced is how often the air in the home is changed, the ACH levels (Air Change per Hour). ASHRAE recommended 0.35 ACH, or 35% of the homes air changing per hour. Bill is finding it can be less than that, as low as 0.10 ACH.
With less air being replaced with fresh air, the Radon levels begin to rise. Modern energy efficient homes are the most at risk.
To put this in perspective, the MIA/Dr. Chyi study used 6 air changes per hour (ACH), 17 to 60 times the levels Bill found, in an attempt to minimize the health aspects of the Radon levels they found in the natural stone they tested.
But with rising energy costs and more effort on the energy efficiency of new homes being built, Bill said “This means that a little emanating radon can go a long way…and building codes are making the structures even “tighter” every revision ! ”
Bill has an excellent website on Radon at Radonserv.com , one of the best sites I have seen on Radon. He has a new article on a possible link between Childhood Leukemia and Radon.
Bill has started sharing information from the Government agencies which are responsible for keeping workers safe. It seems there are laws already in place to protect workers, with the problem being the agencies not knowing how radioactive some granite slabs can be.
The U.S. Department of Labor has clarified the definition of Reasonable Diligence in regard to shop owners testing for Radon or Air Borne Radiation hazards. They say that each case is looked at individually, but if a shop has head of the Radon or radiation hazard in granite controversy, they would be held to a higher standard than an employer that had never heard the subject brought up. If the media has reported excessive Radon, then the owner of the shop should have known of the hazard and taken the proper steps to find out if there were any hazards facing his workers.
With the history of the MIA (Marble Institute of America) on the Radon/radiation aspects of granite being widely reported, tested, and discussed, it would seem that any MIA shops were given the opportunity to protect their workers.
It seems that a level of 7.5 pCi/L of Radon requires that the area be posted as a “Airborne Radiation Area”. Areas of more than 2 mR/hr exposure are unrest riced areas as long as workers could not receive more than 10 mR in seven days exposure.
Furthermore, Bill has provided proof, in the form of a letter from the Dept of Labor, that NORM material such as granite are indeed covered by the regulations. So the bottom line for granite shop owners, such as myself, is that we have all been given an ample opportunity to realize the risks and be proactive at protecting our workers. We researched the hazards in the beginning, and as more and more info on the actual levels of radiation and Radon present in natural stone becomes known, our protocols for worker protection are increasing.
Many shop owners, especially the MIA member shops, vehemently deny the issues. One wonders what the future holds for these shops as the regulations start to be enforced. The lawyers that were asking “Is granite the next asbestos?” may well have know what they were talking about.

Here is another more detailed account of employer responsibilities

Last year, the SSA reported on the link between the Bin Laden family and the natural stone industry. We took a lot of heat, people saying that Bin Laden was not supported by his family. Who knows? Still this made perfect sense, in the lawless areas of the world where some of the stone is mined, rebel or terror groups control the areas. If you want to mine stone, you pay bribes.

So today, when Christina ran into this article, it was no real surprise, just nice to have another source backing the claim that Terrorism is linked to natural stone. Click on the link below to read the entire story.

Pakistan Marble Helps Taliban Stay in Business

It seems that Pakistan has lost control over much of the area between it and Afganistan. The Taliban stepped into the void, forced a settlement between two fueding tribes over mineral rights, then found a stooge to run the quarry. The Taliban got thousands of dollars for making it happen, then they collect tax on the marble blocks being trucked to processing plants.

The Taliban recieves about $500 per day in “Taxes” or bribes. The Pakistani Taliban is lead by , Baitullah Mehsud, a powerful ally of Al Qaeda who keeps his base in South Waziristan, another part of the tribal areas.

The Taliban is being revitalized by the cash generated. One tribesman, known as Bahadar, who works there, predicted, “If this continues for two more years, they will take on America itself”.

So to be socially responsible, one must find the country of origin of the slabs to ensure that neither child labor companies or terror cells profit from the purchase of natural stone. Just one more thing foisted upon a consumer who is interested in doing the right thing.

Not sure what I think of this. It is concerning that lawyers are now actively looking for consumers that may have been exposed to radiation or Radon.

Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer but is Granite Causing Cancer?

It seems that this is a man with his voice disguised, seems uninformed, pointing out a black spot as “pure Uranium”.

The mention of the two cats that died of cancer isn’t news, but the death of the maid was. No other confirmation is available on the death, but the cats and the brain tumor of one of the existing homeowners has been proven. We have been in contact with the husband of the brain tumor patient, sad business, hopefully she will have a full recovery.

The countertop in the video is Juparana Bordeaux, we have a full lab report on this countertop here.

The meter in the video is reading 2693 cpm, about one third of the hottest granite countertop that we have personally measured. It makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?

Perhaps this is what it will take to motivate the granite industry to rid their inventory of hot granite and to start to clean up the higher radiation level countertops sold to unsuspecting consumers.

Update, Sunday July 27th.
The American Bar Association is looking into this. Look at the comments, Mr. Blake is unhappy as well