Brief Overview of Radon in Drinking Water
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a potential health risk that extends beyond the confines of indoor air. This radioactive gas can break into drinking water sources, especially those drawn from underground wells, bringing an additional source for exposure to this odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas.
In the open outdoor spaces, radon quickly dilutes to harmlessconcentrations s. An average outdoor radon level (1) varies from 5 Bq/m3 to 15 Bq/m3, which is generally not a concern. Furthermore, indoors with minimal ventilation, radon levels could reach from 10 Bq/m3 to more than 10000 Bq/m3 in places like mines, caves, basements, and water treatment facilities, which is alarming.
Radon gas escapes from water during routine household activities like showering and cooking, permeating the indoor air. However, while radon in water is a concern, the primary threat lies beneath our homes in the soil. It is crucial to identify this potential risk and take safety measures to mitigate radon exposure, especially for those relying on well-water sources; they should get a radon water filtration system to avoid such risks. Fortunately, surface water from lakes and rivers is generally free from radon concerns, as the gas is released into the air before reaching the tap.
Health Risks Associated with Radon Exposure
Radon in water presents a potential risk, with drinking water containing radon associated with internal organ cancers. People who consume radon-contaminated water may get exposed to a higher risk of cancer, notably lung cancer, over their lifetime.
As a leading cause of lung cancer, radon is estimated to contribute to 3% to 14% of all lung cancers, which is higher than smoking. Initially found in uranium miners, high radon exposure led to a higher rate of lung cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some studies in Europe, North America, and China reveal that even low radon concentrations, common in homes, pose global health risks, contributing to lung cancer due to water contamination. So, a whole house radon water filter can help to minimize this contamination and health risk.
The risk of lung cancer surges by 16% with each 100 Bq/m3 increase in average radon concentration, assumed to follow a linear dose-response relation; the more concentration increases, the risk increases proportionally. Radon poses a significantly higher lung cancer risk for smokers, estimated at 25 times greater than for non-smokers. While inhaled radon may affect other organs, cancer risks beyond the lungs are yet to be determined for other organs.
Identifying Radon Contamination in Water
In lots of places, people get their drinking water from underground sources like springs, boreholes, and wells. These water sources usually have more radon compared to water from aboveground sources like rivers, lakes, and water reservoirs. When we use water from below the ground, like a well-water or an aquifer, there is a higher chance it might have radon, but not all underground water has it. Radon water treatment systems are capable of filtering the radon contamination; however, first, understand how to identify the radon contamination in water.
If the source is a public water system
If the public water system uses surface water like rivers, lakes, or water reservoirs, then do not worry. However, if they have groundwater or underground sources, then get in touch with the water system and confirm whether they tested the water for radon or not.
If the source is a private well or ground source
If the water source is a private well or any other ground source, connect with state or county laboratories to get the water tested for radon, or purchase a Full Laboratory Water Test.
Treatment Techniques for Radon in Drinking Water
Suppose a higher concentration has been suspected in drinking water. In that case, it is a good idea to test the radon levels, identify them, and use a radon water filter to clear the contamination. The best way to deal with it is to filter the radon from the water before it enters the home, a Point-of-Entry (POE) system. There are two kinds of radon water filtration systems: one uses aeration and the other uses a GAC radon water filter to remove radon from the water.
Aeration Water Treatment
Aeration involves circulating, mixing, or dissolving air in a liquid (water) to eliminate dissolved gases and oxidize metals like iron and hydrogen sulfide. Commonly applied in the initial stages of drinking water treatment and as part of activated sludge treatment in wastewater plants, aeration enhances contact between water and air, facilitating the removal of contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and contributing to overall water purification and wastewater treatment processes.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter Treatment or Whole-House Filters
GAC filter is made from high-carbonorganic materials, such as coal, wood, and lignite. The carbon material in the GAC radon water filter is in granular form, meaning it consists of smallparticles. The carbon in GAC filters adsorbs impurities and contaminants present in the water..
Choosing the Right Treatment System
Two types of GAC filter systems are available as radon water treatment systems for home or small office setups.
Point of Entry Radon Filters
The Point of Entry (P-o-E) filters are the Whole House Filters installed at a point on the home's water supply plumbing that will help to get water treatment of all water that passes to any faucet and showerhead in the home setup. Home Master brings such whole house water filter systems to deliver clear, clean water to the home without drawing down overall water pressure.
Point of Use (P-o-U) Radon Filters
The point of Use (POU) filter or under-counter filter unit usually gets installed in the water supply pipe just before the faucet to dispense water from the tap. Source water passes through the GAC radon water filter to a separate tap next to the main faucet. Home Master offers a complete range of under-counter reverse osmosis water filtration systems to filter the well water for radon contamination.
Conclusion
Understanding the health risks associated with radon in drinking water is crucial and needs immediate action as it brings high lung cancer risks. Using an effective radon water filtration system is essential to safeguard public health. With proper awareness, regular testing, and advanced water treatment methods, as discussed, onecan mitigate radon exposure, ensuring the consumption of safe and clean drinking water minimizing potential health risks.