Radon In Water

Radon in water is often overlooked and there is confusion in interpreting the results. Therefore I qoute directly from the source:

"About one-half of the U.S. population relies on underground sources of water called ground water. Ground water flows through porous soil and small spaces between rocks at a relatively slow rate: only a few feet per year in some areas. When water is pumped out of a well, the flow rate can increase significantly."

"Radon, which is formed from natural deposits of uranium is solvable in water. So radon dissolves into passing ground water. How much radon enters the ground water depends upon the amount of uranium in the ground and the flow rate of water. The level of radon in water is usually less than 1,000 pCi/L; however, in a few cases, levels over 1,000,000 pCi/L have been detected."

"Most of the radon in water will be released when the water is exposed to air. Our experience thus far indicates that, as a rule of thumb, there will be an increase of about 1 pCi/L in the air inside a home for every 10,000 pCi/L can result by itself in an indoor air level of about 4 pCi/L (which is the level at which EPA recommends that remedies should be considered)."

"When water is exposed to the atmosphere, some of the dissolved radon will be released. The amount of radon given off will increase if the water is heated and as the surface area exposed to the air is increased. Thus, the largest releases of waterborne radon in the home are dude to those activities and appliances that sprays or agitate heated water, such as taking showers and washing dishes or clothes."

"Since water is used in only a few rooms (bathroom ,kitchen, laundry etc.) at irregular intervals, the amount of radon entering your home from the water will vary dramatically according to room layout and time of day. Your daily patterns of water use (e.g., if the whole family takes showers in the morning or if all the laundry is washed on one day) should be considered when the air in your home is being tested for radon."

For further information contact your state health department. If your radon in water level is high (at or above 40,000 pCi/L), request the EPA's booklet, "Removal of Radon From Household Water."

Summary

Everyone should test for airborne radon levels in their homes. The test is inexpensive and you can do it yourself. If you do find that you have a level higher than 4 pCi/L, and your water comes from a private well, you may want to test that water for radon. If radon levels in your water are 40,000 pCi/L or greater, action may be taken to lower the waterborne radon levels.

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