Dealer Suggests Additional Independent Radon Testing

Dear Editor:

As the owner of a green cabinet shop and kitchen remodeling business, as well as a volunteer Master Home Environmentalist and certified Green Advantage Practitioner, I read your editorial regarding the radon risks (or lack thereof) from granite with great interest. While you talk about the public’s right to know the “unbiased, unfettered truth,” nowhere do I see data defining the amount of radon emitted by granite.

Here in Seattle, if the radon emitted was very low, it shouldn’t be a health risk; however, in areas of the country, such as southeastern Idaho, where radon emissions are very high, adding granite might become a health issue.
Therefore, without having data to make those judgements, how can we, as designers, help our clients make wise decisions that might impact their family’s health? I think the granite industry should simply publish data that would help us to know how much radon is typically emitted per linear foot for a 1-1/2" thick, 2'-wide slab.

In areas where natural radon levels are high, residential radon mitigation is primarily aimed at the foundation and crawl space to keep radon from entering the home. Those efforts do nothing to reduce radon in materials inside houses. And since radon mitigation generally does not reduce radon emissions to zero – but rather to acceptable levels – adding radon to those homes would then raise the levels of exposure.

Our industry should take a responsible position and we cannot do that unless we’re provided data from qualified independent sources.

Bob Margulis, owner
Ravenworks Joinery
Seattle, WA

Lack of Public Education Irks Kitchen Dealer

Dear Editor:

I believe the public has very little awareness of the CKD.

The NKBA is doing a good job providing education, but a bad job promoting the only accredited people in the industry. What good is it if the public doesn’t know the difference between Home Depot and a CKD?

If the NKBA doesn’t better educate the public, the CKD appellation may become obsolete.

Bob Baum, owner
The Farmhouse
at Harmony Acres
Brainard, NY