Natural stone countertops offer a variety of aesthetically unique design options and are available in several thicknesses, with multiple edge details. Granite, which is the most popular, is available in a variety of colors and veining patterns, is durable, and is both heat and scratch resistant. However, granite is a porous material that is susceptible to staining, especially when in contact with oil. To prevent staining, a sealant should be applied once a year.

Every few weeks we learn of some new threat to our health and safety.  Many times the danger is genuine and caution is prudent.  But, once in a while, the fear that the announcement generates may be worse than the exposure to the supposed toxin.

We need to examine the source of each study to determine its validity.  Groups with certain words in their names, such as "public" or "earth" or "defense," may not really be what their name implies, and if the only science course their spokesman ever took was political science, then they are more likely to be attempting to advance an agenda than offering a serious scientific study.  Furthermore, some people might be trying to advance a product by creating "public awareness" of some contrived fatal flaw in their competitor's product.