Some radon stays in the water; drinking water containing radon also presents
a risk of developing internal organ cancers
, primarily stomach cancer. However this risk is smaller than the risk of developing lung cancer from radon released to air from tap water.
How do you get rid of radon in water?
- Aeration treatment – spraying water or mixing it with air and then venting the air from the water before use, or.
- GAC treatment – filtering water through granular activated carbon. Radon attaches to the carbon and leaves the water free of radon.
Is radon in your water dangerous?
Health Effects
Radon can be inhaled from the air or ingested from water. Inhalation of radon increases the chances of lung cancer and this risk is much larger than the risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with a high radon concentration. Generally,
ingested waterborne radon is not a major cause for concern
.
How common is radon in water?
The average concentration of radon in public water supplies derived from ground water sources is
about 20 becquerel per liter (540 pCi)
. Some wells have been identified with high concentrations, up to 400 times the average.
Does radon get into well water?
When
radon gas dissolves into well water
, every time you shower, wash clothes, or even run the tap, you’re releasing this gas into your home. Not to mention, even drinking this contaminated water could lead to higher instances of stomach cancer.
How do you eliminate radon?
There’s no single method
that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.
Should I buy a house with radon in the water?
Radon
can seep into any home
that is in contact with the ground. It is undetectable unless you perform a radon test. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and according to the EPA and CDC, it kills more than 20,000 annually. It is not something you want in the home you are buying.
Can air purifiers reduce radon?
While air purifiers are routinely recommended to allergy sufferers for filtering the air of particles like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, dust mite allergen, and the like, air purifiers can also
help purify your indoor air of toxic
chemicals and gases, including radon.
Does boiling water reduce radon?
The process of boiling water releases the radon gas from the water into the air. Therefore, there should be no concerns about a radiation dose from drinking tea or coffee. However, it is important
to ensure that boiling takes place in a well-ventilated area
so as to minimise the risks of inhaling radon gas.
What are symptoms of radon?
Possible symptoms include
shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
, a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.
How do you know if there is radon in your water?
Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791)
which can provide phone numbers for your State laboratory certification office. Your State laboratory certification office or State radon office can direct you to laboratories which may be able to test your drinking water for radon.
Does a water softener remove radon?
The best method for removing radon from the water is
an aeration system
. An aeration system is typically installed next to the well tank where your water supply first enters the house. The aeration system is installed after other water conditioners such as a water softener or neutralizer. … All house water is treated.
What does radon smell like?
Radon Has No Smell
In truth, radon doesn’t smell like anything at all. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, which is what makes it all the more dangerous for you and your home. Only tests designed especially for radon can give you an accurate reading on the level of radon gas in your home.
How common is arsenic in well water?
Arsenic has been detected in
about 40 percent of new wells drilled since 2008
in Minnesota. (The detection level for arsenic is usually 2 μg/L.) About 10 percent of Minnesota’s private wells have arsenic levels higher than 10 μg/L. Arsenic is in groundwater throughout the state, but it is more likely in some areas.
How fast does radon accumulate?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually
takes 5 to 25 years to develop
.
Will Reverse Osmosis remove radon?
Because reverse osmosis removes contaminants so effectively, it can significantly lower the alkalinity of the product water. …
Reverse osmosis does not remove gaseous contaminants
such as carbon dioxide and radon.
