Radon/Radiation Controversy - Valid or Not?

Many homeowners have had mounting concerns regarding the use of granite in their homes over the past year, due to reports of radon and radiation emissions. Various reports from scientists, media outlets, and non-profit groups have surfaced throughout last year on this issue, fueling the debate about which stone is better: man-made or the real deal.

What many consumers don't know is that most of these reports and studies have been founded on largely questionable science backed by the manufactured stone industry. Natural stone has long been the standard of luxury and excellence in countertop fabrication, while the quartz competition is often referred to as "fake stone" and taken on the role of the proverbial red-headed stepchild. The natural stone folks went on the offense against these reports in the latter half of 2008 and provided the public with numerous resources on the completely inconsistent accusations. While the rivalry still wages, it is exactly this competition that has brought to light the lack of regulations found on both sides and forced all to improve upon their product promotion.

The Marble Institute of America has taken it upon themselves to contest the allegations through their own studies and provided many internet resources for consumers to decide for themselves which material they most prefer. Most recently, the MIA has announced a comprehensive testing and labeling program for granite in an effort to ease consumer concern. The program will be launched over the coming months of 2009, allowing previously non-existent standardization within the natural stone countertop industry. Consumers will now be able to rest assured that their investment will not only be safe for their health, but beautiful for their home while standing the test of time.
__________________________________
I've tried to compile some of the resources on the internet for consumers to get further information, but this list is not comprehensive by any means. The videos, articles, and studies on the web regarding this issue- from both sides- are incredibly numerous. I defer largely on the MIA's website, as they are the "governing" body of the stone industry and have the largest amount of information.

MIA - Radon Info
Stone Business - MIA Radon Testing Plan
Stone Business - EPA Revision Article
Stone Business - Controversy Continues
Slippery Rock Gazette - Countertop Study

Also check out the Marble Institute of America's video on the truth about radon and radiation.