Granite and quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials, and they each have their benefits. But one concern some homeowners have is whether these natural stone countertops emit dangerous radiation. Here is a detailed look at whether quartz countertops emit radiation.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz provides strength and durability, while the resins bind the material together.
The amount of quartz in a slab can vary from 90-97% with polymers and pigments making up the rest. The end result is a material that looks beautiful and natural like stone, but requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone.
Does Pure Quartz Emit Radiation?
Pure quartz itself does not emit radiation. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on earth and is considered very stable. Radiation occurs naturally from elements like uranium and radium. But pure quartz does not contain these radioactive elements.
However, like any natural stone, quartz can have trace amounts of radioactive elements if it came from an area that had them. Areas with granitic rock and pegmatites are more likely to contain minerals with higher radioactivity. But even granites rarely have high enough levels to pose a health risk.
Do Quartz Countertops Contain Radioactive Elements?
When quartz is mined for countertops, the pure quartz crystals are ground into a powder. This powder may come from various quarries around the world.
The quartz powder is then combined with pigments and resins to create the engineered slabs. The mined quartz itself could potentially contain small amounts of natural radioactive elements if it came from an area that had them.
However, quartz manufacturers test all mined quartz to ensure it meets regulatory limits for radioactivity. The resinBinders and pigments used in engineered quartz are also non-radioactive.
So while trace levels are possible, the final engineered slabs are certified to be within safe levels. Testing by consumer reports and government agencies has verified the radioactivity of quartz countertops is well below regulatory limits.
How Quartz Countertop Radiation Compares to Other Stones
Small amounts of radiation occur naturally in many rocks and building materials. Granite, another popular natural stone, can also have trace levels of radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and radium.
However, like with quartz, granite countertops are still considered very safe. According to the EPA, granite countertops emit radiation comparable to the amount emitted from cosmic rays and radon that naturally occurs in the air.
The Health Physics Society says average radiation exposure from granite countertops is about 0.03 mSv per year. They note this is insignificant compared to the average 300 mSv per year exposure Americans get from natural sources.
Quartz countertops have even lower levels of radiation than granite countertops. Overall, quartz and granite countertops pose very minimal radiation exposure risk.
Natural Stone Radiation Exposure Limits
Due to natural radiation concerns, regulations limit how much radioactivity building materials can have:
- The EPA has set a limit of 0.03 mSv per year above background radiation for any building materials. This is a negligible increase compared to natural radiation exposure.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has exempted granite countertops from nuclear licensing since they emit radiation comparable to background levels.
- OSHA and state regulators also limit radiation exposure for workers handling granite and other natural stones. Materials exceeding limits can’t be sold as countertops.
Reputable natural stone suppliers follow these regulations closely to ensure all countertops are within safe levels. Independent testing has repeatedly shown quartz and granite countertops emit radiation well below these stringent regulatory limits.
Tips for Purchasing Low Radiation Countertops
For added peace of mind, there are a few things homeowners can do when shopping for countertops:
- Ask about radioactivity testing: Reputable manufacturers test their slabs to ensure they meet guidelines. Ask to see certificates showing the materials pass radioactivity limits.
- Buy from certified suppliers: Check that suppliers follow guidelines for worker safety and low radiation materials. Big box stores are more likely to comply with regulations.
- Avoid unfamiliar brands: Sticking with major national brands can help avoid questionable manufacturing or sourcing. Less reputable suppliers may cut corners on testing.
- Consider lighter colors: Darker colored granite and quartz can sometimes have slightly higher radioactivity. Lighter whites and grays tend to test lower.
Following these tips when purchasing natural stone countertops can minimize any concerns about radiation. But even without these precautions, leading health experts agree that quartz and granite countertops are completely safe in a home.
Is the Radiation Risk from Quartz Countertops Dangerous?
With radioactivity concerns on people’s minds, it’s understandable to be cautious about potential exposure from countertops. But every health and radiation expert confirms that quartz and granite countertops do not pose any health risks, even over a lifetime of use.
The EPA, NRC, CDC, and leading radiation health groups all concur that the limited radiation from countertops is well within safe limits. Daily exposure to these low levels of radiation is thousands of times lower than even the smallest doses linked to health effects.
The trace levels of radiation in quartz and granite countertops are insignificant compared to the much higher radiation exposure people get from natural sources, air travel, and medical imaging. Studies of radiation workers exposed to much higher doses have found no adverse health effects.
Based on overwhelming scientific evidence, quartz countertops can be used safely without any concerns about radiation harming health. Their beauty and practicality make quartz one of the most popular options for upgrading kitchens today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertop Radiation
Does radiation easily escape from quartz countertops?
No, radiation emitted from trace heavy minerals in countertops is mostly absorbed internally and does not escape the solid stone surface. Very little even reaches the air directly above. Being in contact with or near quartz countertops results in negligible exposure.
Can quartz countertops cause cancer?
There is no evidence that the extremely low levels of radiation from quartz countertops increase cancer risk. No study has linked quartz countertop radiation to cancer or any other diseases. The FDA, EPA, and other health agencies confirm quartz countertops are completely safe.
Are some quartz colors or brands more radioactive?
Most quartz countertop products have very low radioactivity levels. But some darker colored materials or brands sourcing from certain regions may have slightly elevated levels while still meeting safety standards. Consumers can follow purchasing tips above for added reassurance.
Is it safe for children to be around quartz countertops?
Yes, the limited radiation from quartz countertops does not pose any harm to children. Young children are often more sensitive to radiation, but the exposure from countertops is negligible according to pediatric health experts. Children can safely touch, play, and be around quartz countertops.
Should pregnant women avoid using quartz countertops?
There is no need to avoid using quartz countertops while pregnant. The CDC and OB-GYN medical groups confirm the tiny exposures are completely safe during pregnancy. Ultrasound and even flying during pregnancy results in higher radiation exposure than being near quartz countertops.
Conclusion
Granite and quartz countertops are durable, beautiful, and safe additions to any home. Concerns about radiation from natural stone surfaces are understandable, but ultimately unfounded. Extensive testing shows that quartz and granite countertops emit extremely low to non-detectable levels of radiation that are well within health guidelines and safe limits. Leading radiation experts unanimously agree that quartz countertops do not pose any health risks to homeowners. Families can use quartz countertops with full confidence that they are completely safe.