Granite Countertops: A Sound Investment for your Home

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Joe Cline has 297 Published Articles

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Granite Countertops: A Sound Investment for your Home

Posted On : Sep-11-2009 | seen (1086) times | Article Word Count : 598 |

Recent controversy about granite countertops may finally be put to rest, thanks to two new independent studies published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

Recent controversy about granite countertops may finally be put to rest, thanks to two new independent studies published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. Critics have alleged that granite countertops contained dangerous levels of radioactive material that could allow radon to be released into homes, creating a health risk. The new studies were subjected to rigorous peer-review standards and found no evidence that countertop granite releases harmful levels of radiation or radon into the atmosphere.

Scientists and spokesmen for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have consistently dismissed claims that granite countertops presented a risk to consumers. The new studies bear this out, citing evidence that the average concentration of radon or radiation exposure from granite countertops is about four hundred times less than the amount deemed risky. Previous studies had also found very low levels of radiation and radon in granite countertops; Michael Kitto, a research scientist for the state of New York’s Department of Health, stated after testing over fifty samples that “While nearly all granites emit radon, the amount produced in a kitchen from the granite is less than in outdoor air.” Despite the claims made about the dangers of granite, no published scientific study has yet provided evidence that granite countertops present any danger to consumers.

Granite countertops have experienced a surge in popularity in the last decade, seeing a tenfold increase in sales. Combining unmatched durability with natural elegance, granite countertops are available in a variety of stone patterns and colors. Since granite is a naturally occurring material, every countertop is unique, allowing homeowners to achieve a custom look for their kitchens and baths. Due to their popularity, replacing existing countertops with granite can increase the value of your home, in some cases adding as much as ten percent to its overall resale value.

Traditionally, granite countertops are especially sought after by chefs because of its cool surface. This allows dough, pie crusts and candies to be rolled out directly on the countertop, since food usually won’t adhere to it; it also prevents delicate pastry crust from becoming overworked and tough. Granite is a natural heat sink; it absorbs heat rather than reflecting it back up to your food. A thin dusting of flour is all that is necessary to produce the best results.

Since granite is heatproof, you can set hot pans on its surface without worry. This is a great advantage over most manufactured countertops, which can warp and burn when exposed to high temperatures. Granite is the hardest natural surface used for countertops, so chipping or breaking is not a concern. Since it is very dense, it resists stains and its polished surface is easy to clean and care for. Additionally, it can be cut to fit nearly any space, allowing more flexibility than premade countertops. More expensive than some types of countertops, granite justifies its initial cost with unmatched durability and utility. Granite countertops are designed to last for the life of your home, so purchasing granite is an investment in the future.

Granite countertops continue to grow in popularity. Available in thousands of colors and grain patterns, they offer natural beauty and durability, and can add significantly to your home’s resale value. Despite recent scare stories, the scientific evidence shows that granite countertops are safe and present no health risk to consumers. Granite offers unique advantages to professional chefs and occasional cooks alike, and provides a custom look for your kitchen that no other material can match. With all these advantages, granite countertops may be a sound investment for your home.

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<h1>Granite Countertops: A Sound Investment for your Home</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_ Joe Cline.aspx'> Joe Cline</a> Recent controversy about granite countertops may finally be put to rest, thanks to two new independent studies published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. Critics have alleged that granite countertops contained dangerous levels of radioactive material that could allow radon to be released into homes, creating a health risk. The new studies were subjected to rigorous peer-review standards and found no evidence that countertop granite releases harmful levels of radiation or radon into the atmosphere.

Scientists and spokesmen for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have consistently dismissed claims that granite countertops presented a risk to consumers. The new studies bear this out, citing evidence that the average concentration of radon or radiation exposure from granite countertops is about four hundred times less than the amount deemed risky. Previous studies had also found very low levels of radiation and radon in granite countertops; Michael Kitto, a research scientist for the state of New York’s Department of Health, stated after testing over fifty samples that “While nearly all granites emit radon, the amount produced in a kitchen from the granite is less than in outdoor air.” Despite the claims made about the dangers of granite, no published scientific study has yet provided evidence that granite countertops present any danger to consumers.

Granite countertops have experienced a surge in popularity in the last decade, seeing a tenfold increase in sales. Combining unmatched durability with natural elegance, granite countertops are available in a variety of stone patterns and colors. Since granite is a naturally occurring material, every countertop is unique, allowing homeowners to achieve a custom look for their kitchens and baths. Due to their popularity, replacing existing countertops with granite can increase the value of your home, in some cases adding as much as ten percent to its overall resale value.

Traditionally, granite countertops are especially sought after by chefs because of its cool surface. This allows dough, pie crusts and candies to be rolled out directly on the countertop, since food usually won’t adhere to it; it also prevents delicate pastry crust from becoming overworked and tough. Granite is a natural heat sink; it absorbs heat rather than reflecting it back up to your food. A thin dusting of flour is all that is necessary to produce the best results.

Since granite is heatproof, you can set hot pans on its surface without worry. This is a great advantage over most manufactured countertops, which can warp and burn when exposed to high temperatures. Granite is the hardest natural surface used for countertops, so chipping or breaking is not a concern. Since it is very dense, it resists stains and its polished surface is easy to clean and care for. Additionally, it can be cut to fit nearly any space, allowing more flexibility than premade countertops. More expensive than some types of countertops, granite justifies its initial cost with unmatched durability and utility. Granite countertops are designed to last for the life of your home, so purchasing granite is an investment in the future.

Granite countertops continue to grow in popularity. Available in thousands of colors and grain patterns, they offer natural beauty and durability, and can add significantly to your home’s resale value. Despite recent scare stories, the scientific evidence shows that granite countertops are safe and present no health risk to consumers. Granite offers unique advantages to professional chefs and occasional cooks alike, and provides a custom look for your kitchen that no other material can match. With all these advantages, granite countertops may be a sound investment for your home.About the Author: Joe Cline writes articles for <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.joecline.com">Austin Texas real estate</a>. Other articles written by the author related to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.affinityproperties.com">Austin real estate</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.affinityproperties.com/round-rock.php">Round Rock Texas MLS</a> can be found on the net. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Granite-Countertops-A-Sound-Investment-for-your-Home_3142.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Granite Countertops: A Sound Investment for your Home_3142.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Granite Countertops: A Sound Investment for your Home_3142.aspx

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Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Round Rock Texas MLS can be found on the net.

Keywords : Austin Texas real estate, Austin real estate, Round Rock Texas MLS,

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