Ever since 1983, radon has been a very public, very dangerous problem. Radon leaches out of the earths crust and seeps into the basements and cellars of households and buildings all over the world, and can cause serious health problems if not kept in check.
The very visible hysteria from this episode in American history was completely focused on the airborne effects and presence of radon, and although the airborne aspect of this health threat is real and dangerous, the threat of waterborne radon is also real and dangerous, and sees a lot less attention. Now that families are beginning to realize how serious waterborne radon could be, they are testing their water, seeing they have high radon levels, and trying to figure out how they can keep safe from this threat.
Much like its airborne counterpart, waterborne radon's first step in rising happens deep in the bowels of the earth. Because many peoples water comes from underground wells, aquifers, or groundwater sources, much of the drinking water in America is at risk for this danger. Once radon has taken hold in a water source, it is unlikely to emerge from any natural process.
Once water has been pumped into the house, the radon held within it can escape into the air without warning, and this can lead to all the same sorts of issues that airborne radon can in the first place. Certain activities are particularly efficient at dispersing waterborne radon, and these include showering, washing dishes, and washing clothes. The EPA has estimated that somewhere between two and five percent of household airborne radon made its way into the household through the tap. The media hasn't picked up the dangers of waterborne radon, but the EPA has continually stressed the dangers of leaving high levels of radon unattended.
Radon and its sister elements are all radioactive; this of course mans that they are continually breaking apart and sending bits of radioactivity into and around their environment. These alpha and beta particles fly through air without much deterrence, but are much slower and weaker in water, as many of the particles are quickly absorbed by water molecules. This means that testing for radon in water requires substantial lab testing with special equipment, and it requires that these test be conducted quickly, before the radon decays too much. Direct testing with a sample is definitely the most accurate way to go.
If radon is found to be present, the best way to get rid of it is aeration.
Home aeration systems expose incoming water to an air filled tray that gives all the radon a chance to bounce out of the water supply before it enters the house.
Spray aeration systems do a similar thing, but use a nozzle to mist incoming water into a huge tank. Once the water is misted, it gets a much greater surface area, and is much more prone to letting go of its radon particles. These particles, once in the air, can be blown away into a vent to carry it off.
Packed column aeration units use the geometry of a pillar to increase surface area of the water flowing through it. A blower then blows air across the water and leaches out any radon. This radon-air water softener is then carried by the pressure gradient, away from the water.
All methods of radon filtration work, and they can all decrease the likelihood of radon related health problems. If you know you have high radon levels in you home, act before you put your loved ones at risk.
The very visible hysteria from this episode in American history was completely focused on the airborne effects and presence of radon, and although the airborne aspect of this health threat is real and dangerous, the threat of waterborne radon is also real and dangerous, and sees a lot less attention. Now that families are beginning to realize how serious waterborne radon could be, they are testing their water, seeing they have high radon levels, and trying to figure out how they can keep safe from this threat.
Much like its airborne counterpart, waterborne radon's first step in rising happens deep in the bowels of the earth. Because many peoples water comes from underground wells, aquifers, or groundwater sources, much of the drinking water in America is at risk for this danger. Once radon has taken hold in a water source, it is unlikely to emerge from any natural process.
Once water has been pumped into the house, the radon held within it can escape into the air without warning, and this can lead to all the same sorts of issues that airborne radon can in the first place. Certain activities are particularly efficient at dispersing waterborne radon, and these include showering, washing dishes, and washing clothes. The EPA has estimated that somewhere between two and five percent of household airborne radon made its way into the household through the tap. The media hasn't picked up the dangers of waterborne radon, but the EPA has continually stressed the dangers of leaving high levels of radon unattended.
Radon and its sister elements are all radioactive; this of course mans that they are continually breaking apart and sending bits of radioactivity into and around their environment. These alpha and beta particles fly through air without much deterrence, but are much slower and weaker in water, as many of the particles are quickly absorbed by water molecules. This means that testing for radon in water requires substantial lab testing with special equipment, and it requires that these test be conducted quickly, before the radon decays too much. Direct testing with a sample is definitely the most accurate way to go.
If radon is found to be present, the best way to get rid of it is aeration.
Home aeration systems expose incoming water to an air filled tray that gives all the radon a chance to bounce out of the water supply before it enters the house.
Spray aeration systems do a similar thing, but use a nozzle to mist incoming water into a huge tank. Once the water is misted, it gets a much greater surface area, and is much more prone to letting go of its radon particles. These particles, once in the air, can be blown away into a vent to carry it off.
Packed column aeration units use the geometry of a pillar to increase surface area of the water flowing through it. A blower then blows air across the water and leaches out any radon. This radon-air water softener is then carried by the pressure gradient, away from the water.
All methods of radon filtration work, and they can all decrease the likelihood of radon related health problems. If you know you have high radon levels in you home, act before you put your loved ones at risk.
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Keep reading on fluoride filters and filters that use carbon to learn more ways to make sure your water is prisitne and safe.
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