Cooking For Engineers

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

I didn't know where to put this. It may be a bit of a stretch, but I think counter tops are a kind of tools and equipment since we do our work on them. Today I saw a very interesting article in the New York Times:

What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?
By KATE MURPHY
Published: July 24, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?ex=1217563200&en=ac217b3938b60dcc&ei=5070&emc=eta1

It seems that some varieties of granite used in counter tops have high levels of radioactive uranium and emit radon gas as it decays.

Take a look at this now because I don't know how long the NYT keeps their articles online.

Michael Chu · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 1654 Location: Austin, TX (USA)

The last part of the article suggests testing for radiation or radon. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org) and says testing costs between $100 to $300. Unfortunately the aarst.org website seems to be made for people working in the radon field instead of consumers so it's not easy finding information about testing. I guess it's easier to call their telephone number 1-866-77AARST (1-866-772-2778) and just ask about testing or looking in your yellow pages.

DrBiggles · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 356 Location: Richmond, CA

Dilbert · Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 1304 Location: central PA

yup.

now I know why my pie dough glows . . .