NBC's "Today Show" aired a segment on granite countertops today, and while the implied connection between granite and dangerous levels of radon is never positive, this piece at least included input from both sides of the issue. Bill Llope, the same Rice University physics professor that has spoken out against granite recently, was featured and spoke of the potential hazards of some granites. But in the Today Show segment, Jack McCarthy, a consultant who works with the natural stone industry and was hired by the Marble Institute of America (MIA), explained that the amounts of radiation that come from the 70+ granites his group has tested thus far is too minute to affect humans once mixed with the atmosphere. The reporter, Natalie Morales, also noted that "health experts say the risk has been totally overblown," and a quote from the Environmental Protection Agency was read aloud and shown on the screen, confirming that "most types of granite . . . are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home." These comments were sadly missing from previous articles and news segments on this issue.
AUSTELL, GA -- M S International, Inc. (MSI), a leading distributor of natural stone, opened a new state-of-the-art showroom in Austell, GA. This completes the launch of its new distribution facility dedicated to the Southeast region.
The 175,000-square-foot building, which MSI reports is one of the largest stone centers under a single roof in all of North America, reflects the company's commitment to the Southeast region.
ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Planning is well underway for Coverings 2009, the annual show for tile and stone in the U.S. It will take place at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center from April 21 to 24, which includes the dates for the expo and conference. The show will offer the newest and best in ceramic tile, mosaics, natural stone and slab materials as well as displays of adhesives, accessories, tools and installation techniques of the industry. Additionally, 2009 will mark Coverings' 20th anniversary.
CLEVELAND, OH -- To clear up consumer confusion about the safety of granite countertops, a growing number of environmental and health agencies from states across the U.S. have issued new statements that all conclude that granite countertops typically found in homes do not pose a health risk to consumers.
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA, recently renovated its Welcome Center and Tropical Forest Conservatory, both of which were designed by local architect, IKM, Inc. The first phase of the project included a new Welcome Center at Phipps historical “front door” in Schenley Park, and involved major additions to its historic 1893 glass house, including limestone features. The Tropical Forest Conservatory, which features a rotating exhibit schedule where every two years a different tropical environment will be on display, opened featuring a “Thailand theme.” Reused sandstone was saved from the original building and implemented into the new structure for interior walls.
HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaborative organization representing business and trade associations that promote stone under the Genuine Stone™ brand, recently announced preliminary results of its comprehensive study of the natural stone industry. An in-depth look at quarry and processing operations over the last year has enabled the NSC to identify the industry's best practices as well as to better define areas of focus to establish natural stone's environmental profile.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ -- There has been recent news concerning the possibility that granite countertops may contain dangerously high levels of radon. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has long recognized the carcinogenic effects of radon in the home and, as a result, recommends that consumers planning to remodel a kitchen or bath consult with an NKBA-certified designer.
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Marble Institute of America reports that it has been working diligently over the past week to fight the fallout from the New York Times article, which insinuated that granite countertops emit a harmful amount of radon. The MIA also stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has modified some of the statements it made last week in support of granite countertops. While it is true that coverage and blog postings have slowed somewhat, the MIA has been extremely busy identifying and developing spokespersons and material needed to defend the natural stone industry from this unnecessary panic.
CLEVELAND, OH -- In response to the article that linked granite countertops with harmful levels of radon emission, which ran in the New York Times on July 24, 2008, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) recently wrote a "Letter to the Editor" in defense of the natural stone industry. Below is a the letter that was sent:
ST. LOUIS, MO -- GranQuartz, L.P., a Harbour Group company based in Atlanta, GA, completed the acquisition of the stone division of Sommer & Maca Industries, Inc. from C.R. Laurence Co., Jeff Fox, Harbour Group's Chief Executive Officer, announced. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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