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EPA studies show that people who are exposed to radon have higher incidences of
lung cancer. There is also some evidence that radon in water may increase the
incidence of stomach cancer.
Where does radon in my water come
from?
As water moves through the ground, radon gas can be carried in the water to
your tap. When well water is agitated at warm temperatures in the home, radon
is released into the air. When you shower, bathe or simply run the tap, the
radon in the water is liberated into the air, forming radon gas that can be
inhaled in. According to the EPA, radon levels in ground water are highest in
New England and the Appalachian uplands of the Mid-Atlantic and Southern
States. Certain areas around the Rocky Mountains, California, Texas and the
upper Midwest also have elevated levels of radon in the ground water. These
areas are most likely to have elevated radon in water levels, but radon in
water can occur anywhere in the US.
How do I test for radon in my water?
Testing for radon in your water is actually quite simple.
Simply order a radon-in-water testing kit from BTS
Laboratories. We'll send you a kit that has everything you need to
take a water sample for radon analysis. You will receive special containers
that you fill with water samples and ship to BTS Laboratories.
In a few days, we'll send you a report detailing the radon content of your
water.
If I have radon in my water, what should I do?
Simple aeration removes up to
99% of radon from water. Radon is rarely a problem in public systems
because the water is aerated during water treatment. Unfortunately, this does
not occur in water being drawn from a private well. Aeration treatment
equipment aerates the water, then vents the gas to the outside. This treatment
option requires that the gas be vented above the roof line, otherwise the gas
may enter the home.
Another option is granular activated carbon filtration. In this type of
treatment, the water is filtered through carbon which adsorbs the radon. This
type of filter requires relatively large amounts of carbon and a long contact
time to be efficient. The carbon from a radon filtration system may have to be
handled specially for disposal since the potential build up of radioactivity
can make it hazardous.
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