| Radon
and Drinking Water
What
is Radon?
Radon is
a colourless, odourless gas that is naturally radioactive.
Where
is it found?
Radon is
a naturally occurring gas that comes from rock or soil in areas where radium
producing uranium is present in phosphate and granite deposits. Not all phosphate
and granite deposits contain uranium. Studies show that less than 0.1% of all
Canadian homes could have levels of radon high enough to cause concern.
Is it a health
concern?
Well water supplies can become contaminated as ground water moves through radon
contaminated soils. It is rarely found in surface water or municipal water as
aeration dissipates the radon gas.
Radon gas can be inhaled into a person’s lungs when water is made into a mist,
such as in showers or dishwashers. When this occurs it is believed that there is
some risk that “alfa particles” emitted by the radon gas may damage lung tissue
and cause lung cancer. This risk is increased if the person smokes cigarettes.
Can I Test My Water
For Radon?
Water itself
cannot be tested for radon. However, private companies can test the air in your home
for radon levels and potential exposure.
Can Radon Be
Removed From Water?
Radon levels
in water can be reduced by specially designed filters and aeration systems.
For
more information
contact a Public Health Inspector:
MAIN OFFICE
458 Laurier Blvd
Brockville,
Ontario
K6V 7A3
613-345-5685
fax 613-345-2879
BRANCH OFFICE
52 Abbott Street N., Unit 2
Smiths Falls,
Ontario
K7A 1W3
613-283-2740
fax 613-283-1679
To
the top
|
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
Home Page 
