BOSTON -- For many homeowners, granite is the countertop of choice, but could it pose a health risk?

Debate is simmering around the country about whether granite may emit potentially dangerous radon.

NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that a Texas physicist who tests granite slabs said there is no question there is a potential for risk. He said some slabs emit much more gamma radiation than what comes naturally from the ground.

"Especially when you have 100 square feet of it or 50 square feet of it in a kitchen," Rice University physicist William Llope said.

"What we can do is tell you that this countertop is more dangerous than this one," said granite salesman Al Gebhart.

Some granite salesmen nationwide go so far as to test what they sell.

"My position is that consumers ought to know that up front and let them decide whether to take it or not," Gebhart said.

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