Radon in Building Materials

Radon can emanate through the building materials from which it is constructed. Most building materials are made from naturally formed rock and have the potential of containing varying amounts of NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Mineral). Norms can produce measurable amounts of radiation and sometimes radon gas. NORMs containing high concentrations of Uranium can off-gas Radon.

Although natural stone building materials are likely to emit a small amount of radioactivity, it will generally be insignificant when diluted with the quantity of air in the entire home.  The risk for radon emanating from soil beneath the home is hundreds of times greater than the risk from granite. 

Building Materials that Produce Radiation

• Natural gypsum
• Cement
• Tiles
• Phosphogypsum
• Blast furnace slag stone and cement
• Concrete
• Aerated concrete
• Clay bricks
• Sand-lime bricks and sandstone
• Natural building stones