Radon

While granite and other natural stones may contain minute traces of radon, in terms of building materials, radon emissions from concrete, cement and gypsum should be of greater concern: "Radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth's crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air." A full report is available at Marble Institute of America's web site at www.marble-institute.com 

 Bacteria

Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no records of granite harboring bacteria, and has no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or even laminate materials with top-mounted sinks. This claim has also been tested by the Hospitality Industry. Their article can be found at www.hi-tm.com under "Publications and Reports." 

 Granite is Higher
  Priced than Solid
  Surface Materials

With increased technology in the stone processing industry, granite now is available for the same price as artificial, manmade solid surface materials, and granite offers a wider variety of colors and patterns to choose from.

 Granite Cannot
  Be Repaired

Granite can be re-finished and, in cases of chipping or breaking, can be repaired with colored epoxies that can take a polish.

 Granite is Hard
  to Maintain

Granite is very easy to maintain. Clean with a neutral soap and water, wipe off film with a solution of vinegar and water, and on occasion, from one to every five years, additional impregnators can be applied.