There have been numerous reports over the past two years about the radon hazard of granite slab countertops, and it’s a relief that this major safety issue is gaining the attention of the general public.

The most important thing to read is the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Citizen’s Guide to Radon” to properly educate yourself on the potential dangers radon can bring. After all, “Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, claiming about 20,000 lives a year.”

But one might wonder: how does radon get to granite?

Radon is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas that is emitted from the breakdown of uranium in natural stone. Uranium is a radioactive element found naturally in the ground. As a result, granite contains around 10 to 20 parts per million of uranium.

Now that you know the who, what, when, where, why, and how of radon, it’s important to know how to protect your family. The simple answer: test, test, test.

An easy solution is to hire someone to do the testing for you, in which case you should check with the EPA to find a qualified tester.

The alternative is to go the DIY route and buy a short-term or long-term trial. Short-term tests usually last between 3-7 days and up to 90 days, while long-term tests last between 90 days and 1 year. You can purchase these tests at most home maintenance stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. The tests tend to cost between $15 and $120.

Radon exposure is not to be taken lightly, so especially if you have granite countertops, it’s important to test your home before it’s too late. And, if your countertops prove to have high levels of radon, get new countertops immediately. Make it a priority!