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.
HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC) recently announced their unequivocal support for granite as a safe, natural material for use indoors based on prior research and, most recently, both an independent study funded by NSC member, the Marble Institute of America (MIA), and newly issued U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statements reaffirming that granite poses no health risk.
In response to the needs of its customers and their overall show experience, Hanley Wood Exhibitions (owner of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas) has launched a new online networking tool. "Connect," which debuts for the Remodeling Show 2008, is Hanley Wood's solution to bringing together buyers and sellers that match each other's set criteria -- before, during and after the event.
Marmomacc, the leading international stone industry trade show, is offering free admission to trade visitors who pre-register online. Held annually at Veronafiere in Verona, Italy, Marmomacc is a global showcase of stone materials and machinery. In 2007, more than 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries attracted over 63,000 trade visitors from 120 countries.
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