H2O Care Home specializes in diagnosing residential water problems, water filtration systems installation and maintaining those systems, including those to remove radon from water. In this blog article, we will discuss the dangers of Radon in your water and give you our expert advice on how to fix the problem.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no color, odor, or taste. Its chemical symbol is Rn, atomic number 86, and it comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in the ground.
How can you be exposed?
2 ways – through the air in your home or through your drinking water. As uranium breaks down underground, radon gas is formed and can seep into any type of building. It can also dissolve and accumulate in water from underground sources, such as well water.
You cannot be exposed to radon from surface water, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, as its released into the outdoor, unconfined air before it ever reaches your home.
What are the health concerns?
Breathing radon has been strongly linked to lung cancer. In fact, the EPA estimates it is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. When water containing radon gas is used in the home for showering, cooking, dishes, etc., the gas releases into the air causing you to breathe it in.
Does your drinking water contain Radon?
Not if it comes from a surface water source. If it comes from an underground well, it may or may not contain radon. If you’re on a public water system, you should receive yearly water reports telling you what exactly is in your water and how much. This is available thanks to The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996.
How can you test and treat your water for Radon?
You will need a certified state laboratory to test your water sample. If radon is found in your water, the most effective treatment to reduce radon in your water is called diffused bubble aeration. It removes the radon from the water right before it enters your homes water distribution system. There are 2 types of devices commonly used for radon reduction in water.
- The Aeration System – is installed on the main water supply just after the well tank, this system consists of a sealed tank with a heavy duty blower which forces air through the water. The gas is released from the water and carried out into the atmosphere through an exhaust pipe. This method removes the radon and the threat from the home.
- Another common method incorporates the use of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) The GAC system uses activated carbon to remove radon and is also installed on the main water supply just after the well tank. It consists of a large fiberglass tank filled with the GAC. This method is not recommended because the carbon collects the radon and can become hazardous if it is not changed out frequently.
Radon in Water Filtration
Proper design, installation, and maintenance are critical to the long-term reliability and effectiveness of these systems. If you have questions, give us a call or email us.