I've read in Harvard's women health newsletter that hi lung cancer rates are associated with "radon" and uranium, and that these substances are found naturally in certain earth compositions, which appears to include granite.
2006-08-29 02:24:39 · 3 answers · asked by minge 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Some types of granite do emit Radon gas in very small quantities. This is normally of no significance however in some places (Cornwall for example) it is recommended that cellars be well ventilated to stop any potential build up of radon which is a very heavy gas which sinks to the lowest level. Figures for raised cancer levels in granite areas are so small it is not possible to make any absolute connection between them.
2006-08-29 12:22:45 · answer #1 · answered by U.K.Export 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there is some naturally occurring uranium in granite and it becomes radon after a (long) time. However, what are you going to do. If you move to an area that has a lot of shale then the amount of uranium, and radon, increases. Buy yourself a fan to remove the air in your basement and you have removed most of the problem. Radon is a heavy gas and so it collects at the low spaces in the environment. Oh yes, and stop smoking. This is by far the largest source of lung cancer in the world.
2006-08-29 11:44:45 · answer #2 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes granite does give off radon radiation, its found on Dartmoor for example, but it is infinitesimally small.
2006-08-29 09:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by john b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋