Is radon in well water a problem?

Is radon in well water a problem?

Some radon stays in the water; drinking water containing radon also presents a risk of developing internal organ cancers, primarily stomach cancer. However this risk is smaller than the risk of developing lung cancer from radon released to air from tap water.

Can radon enter a house through well water?

It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too.

Is radon common in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the United States. Approximately 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline of 4 picocuries per liter.

How much does it cost to mitigate radon in well water?

An aeration system will remove about 99% of the radon. The typical aeration cost is around $4500. A single charcoal system can remove up to 75% of the radon in water and costs about a $1000. A double charcoal system can remove up to 90% of the radon and costs about $1650.

How do I get rid of radon in my well water?

Radon can be removed from water by using one of two methods:

1. Aeration treatment – spraying water or mixing it with air and then venting the air from the water before use, or.
2. GAC treatment – filtering water through granular activated carbon. Radon attaches to the carbon and leaves the water free of radon.

How common is radon in well water?

The average concentration of radon in public water supplies derived from ground water sources is about 20 becquerel per liter (540 pCi). Some wells have been identified with high concentrations, up to 400 times the average.

What are the symptoms of radon in your home?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.

Do all basements have radon?

Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.

Does opening windows reduce radon?

Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.

Does all well water have radon?

While surface waters and municipally treated groundwater generally have low concentrations of radon, high concentrations have been found in private groundwater supplies in the U.S. Unfortunately, little Canadian data on waterborne radon levels exists, making it difficult to assess the importance of water as a source of …

What are the first signs of radon poisoning?

A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.

• Persistent cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain.
• Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Loss of appetite.

Does radon make you tired?

Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.

How much radon is in drinking water in PA?

One study of radon in over 900 Pennsylvania water wells found that 78% exceeded 300 pCi/L, 52% exceeded 1,000 pCi/L and 10% exceeded 5,000 pCi/L. Since most exposure to radon is from air, testing of indoor air is the simplest method to determine the overall risk of radon in your home.

How does radon get into your well water?

High levels of dissolved radon are found in the groundwater in some areas flowing through granite or granitic sand and gravel formations. If you live in an area with high radon in groundwater it can get into your private well. Showering, washing dishes, and laundering can disturb the water and release radon gas into the air you breathe.

Are there ways to reduce radon in drinking water?

Included are some methods to reduce radon in drinking water. You can’t see, smell or taste radon. It could, however, be a problem in your home. According to the United State’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.

When is the Radon poster contest in PA?

During the fall of 2020, students from across the state ages 9-14, were invited to participate in the 2021 Pennsylvania Radon Poster Contest. The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness of the harmful effects of elevated levels of indoor radon gas. In November the DEP staff selected the top three posters.