Radon in Water

We test for radon in drinking water. For sampling procedures follow these instructions.

The EPA has not yet set any standards for radon in water, however, they have proposed a regulatory limit of 4000 pCi/L for municipal systems.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas. It seeps into the air from rocks and soil that has been disturbed and not disturbed. Radon is soluble in water and will stay in a closed system. Outside air typically contains low level radon. Radon is odorless, tasteless and is a decay daughter of uranium. Radon is a documented human carcinogen and is classified by EPA as a Group A carcinogen. There is sufficient evidence of a causal relationship between exposure to radon and lung cancer in humans.

The concern is associated with the amount of radon that is transferred from the drinking water to the air inside a home. However, radon entering the home through soil is generally recognized as a greater concern. Health risks with consumption of water containing radon are believed less significant than those associated with breathing air containing radon. Radon can be released from water any time water is used. Research indicates that an average household will release 1 pCi/L of radon into the air per 10,000 pCi/L in the water (e.g. water containing 236 pCi/L could release 0.0236 pCi/L into the air of the house). This is only an average; it is subject to variation depending on the amount and type of water used.

For more details Contact us.