Radon in Water

Radon in Water

July 27, 2023

Radon is a dangerous, radioactive gas can occur naturally in the soil in certain areas.

It is created by the breakdown of uranium that may exist in the ground, forming a gas that can easily seep into the air in homes and buildings, and dissolve into underground water sources such as local NJ wells, and accumulate there.

The gas can then be released when you use the water, whether for showering, washing dishes, or some other purpose, and can also be consumed when you drink it. It is strongly recommended that you have private well water analyzed for radon.

Is Radon Dangerous?

Yes.

Radon gas in the air has been directly linked to lung cancer, and about 20, 000 deaths a year in the U.S. are caused by breathing it in. Radon ingested via drinking water is believed to increase the risk of several different types of cancer, including stomach cancer. The EPA estimates that about 168 deaths a year can be attributed to radon in water.

The radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs, and over time,release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and increase the chances of developing lung cancer.

While not everyone exposed to high levels of radon in the air will develop lung cancer, it is the second leading cause of this type of cancer, behind smoking.

What Levels of Radon Are Safe?

No level of radon in water is considered safe. However, there is currently no federal drinking water standard for radon. The EPA has proposed requirements for radon levels no higher than 4, 000 pCi/L, in states where actions are being taken to mitigate radon in indoor air, and 300 pCi/L in those states without such programs. Although radon water is dangerous, it's not as big of a risk factor as radon in the air.

How Do I Remove Radon in Water?

The best way to reduce radon levels in water is through aeration, which means exposing the water to air so that the gas can escape, and be vented outside the home.

The aerated water should then be treated with carbon filtration. (Carbon filtration alone, without aeration, is not effective unless the radon level is very low.) A prudent option is to follow the aeration be followed by a step-down filtration system and ultraviolet disinfection to assure that airborne bacteria are killed after aeration.

Call AquaDoctor of NJ to find a system that's right for your home.