When homeowners think about radon, they often associate it with the air quality inside their homes. While it’s true that radon is primarily known as an airborne hazard, there’s another potential source of radon exposure that often goes overlooked: radon in water. This invisible threat can pose serious health risks, particularly for those who rely on private wells or have groundwater as their primary water source.
Understanding how radon enters your water supply and the dangers it poses is essential for protecting the health and safety of your family. Fortunately, with the help of a trusted professional like Ohio Radon Specialist, you can detect and effectively mitigate radon in water, ensuring a safer living environment.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in the soil and bedrock breaks down. While radon gas typically enters homes through cracks in the foundation, it can also dissolve into groundwater, contaminating wells and other water supplies. When water containing radon is used in the home—for drinking, cooking, or even showering—it can release radon gas into the air, increasing indoor radon levels.
The primary risk of radon in water comes from aeration, which occurs when water is agitated or exposed to the open air, such as when using faucets, showering, or doing laundry. When this happens, radon escapes into the air and can accumulate to dangerous levels. Homes with private wells or water systems that source water from underground aquifers are at a higher risk for radon contamination.
The health risks associated with radon in water are twofold:
Inhalation Risk: As radon gas is released from water, it mixes with the indoor air, creating an inhalation hazard. Inhaling radon gas over time can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers or those with prolonged exposure.
Ingestion Risk: While the primary concern is inhalation, drinking water containing radon also poses a health risk. Ingesting radon in water may increase the risk of internal organ cancers, such as stomach cancer, although this risk is significantly lower compared to the inhalation hazard.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that for every 10,000 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) of radon in water, the air in the home will increase by approximately 1 pCi/L. Given that the EPA’s recommended action level for indoor radon in air is 4 pCi/L, it’s clear how radon in water can contribute to a dangerous indoor environment.
The only way to know if your water is contaminated with radon is to conduct a radon water test. This is especially important if:
You use a private well as your primary water source.
Your home has elevated radon levels in the air, indicating that water could be a contributing factor.
You live in an area with known high radon levels in the soil and bedrock.
Testing for radon in water is a separate process from testing for radon in air. It requires specialized equipment and expertise to accurately measure radon concentrations in your water supply. If you’re unsure about whether your water should be tested, Ohio Radon Specialist can help. Their team is experienced in both air and water testing, providing comprehensive solutions to keep your home safe.
Radon contamination is most common in groundwater sources, such as private wells and community wells, where water is drawn directly from underground. Surface water sources, like lakes and rivers, tend to have much lower radon concentrations because radon escapes into the atmosphere before it reaches your home.
Private Wells: Homes with private wells are at the highest risk of radon contamination because the water is drawn directly from bedrock that may contain high levels of radon.
Community Wells: In rural areas, community wells that serve multiple homes or small communities may also be at risk.
Municipal Water Systems: Municipal water systems that source water from surface water bodies typically have lower radon levels, but this isn’t always guaranteed. Testing is still recommended to ensure safety.
If testing reveals high levels of radon in your water, it’s important to take action to reduce the risk. There are two primary methods for mitigating radon in water:
Aeration Systems: Aeration is the most effective method for removing radon from water. This system works by spraying water in a sealed tank and venting the released radon gas to the outside. Aeration systems can remove up to 99% of radon in water, making it a reliable solution for homes with high radon levels.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters: GAC filters are another option for treating radon in water. These systems work by running water through a bed of activated carbon, where radon is trapped and filtered out. While GAC filters are effective, they may require more frequent maintenance and can produce radioactive waste that needs to be handled carefully.
When it comes to dealing with radon in water, expertise and experience are key. Ohio Radon Specialist is a trusted leader in the field, specializing in comprehensive radon testing and mitigation for both air and water. Here’s why you should choose Ohio Radon Specialist to protect your home and family:
Certified and Experienced Team: Ohio Radon Specialist is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and has years of experience in radon testing and mitigation. They have the expertise needed to accurately assess radon levels and recommend the best mitigation solutions.
Comprehensive Testing Services: From air to water, Ohio Radon Specialist offers thorough radon testing to ensure that all potential sources of radon are identified and addressed.
Effective Mitigation Solutions: If elevated radon levels are detected in your water, their team will design and install a customized mitigation system that effectively reduces radon to safe levels.
High-Quality Equipment and Technology: Ohio Radon Specialist uses state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading technology to ensure accurate testing and reliable mitigation results.
Peace of Mind: With Ohio Radon Specialist, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in the hands of experts who are committed to your safety and well-being.
Don’t let radon in your water go undetected. Protect your family’s health by scheduling a professional radon water test with Ohio Radon Specialist. Their team will provide a comprehensive assessment of your home’s radon levels and recommend the best course of action to ensure your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and everyday use.
For more information or to schedule a radon water test, visit Ohio Radon Specialist’s website or give them a call today. With their expertise and dedication, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home’s air and water are radon-free.
