What happens if you drink water with radon?

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 you drink water with radon in it?

Radon can be inhaled from the air or ingested from water. Inhalation of radon increases the chances of lung cancer and this risk is much larger than the risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with a high radon concentration. Generally, ingested waterborne radon is not a major cause for concern.

How harmful is radon in water?

In fact, the risk of stomach cancer -- the most likely health threat from consuming radon in water -- is extremely small. The committee estimated that about 20 of the 13,000 stomach cancer deaths each year may result from consuming water that contains radon.


What is long term effects from radon in water?

Radon in well water can be released into the air in the home when water is used for showering and other household uses. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH RADON? Research indicates there is an increased risk of lung cancer associated with long-term exposure to elevated radon levels.

How long does it take for radon to affect you?

Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.


What would happen if you didn’t drink water? - Mia Nacamulli



Can you detox from radon exposure?

There are no known methods for reducing the toxic effects of radon once you are exposed; however, there are some foods and supplements that can help you to detoxify your body and protect you from the harmful effects of radiation, including glutathione, chlorophyll and spirulina.

What does radon sickness feel like?

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 Brita filters remove radon?

Are Brita pitcher filters certified to reduce radioactive metals? Brita pitcher filters are not certified to reduce uranium, radon, radium, or other radionuclides in drinking water.


How do you get radon out of drinking water?

There are two types of point- of-entry devices that remove radon from water:
  1. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters (which use activated carbon to remove the radon), and.
  2. Aeration devices (which bubble air through the water and carry radon gas out into the atmosphere through an exhaust fan).


What is the organ system most often affected by radon?

Radon is a major cause of lung cancer. It is estimated that radon causes between 3% to 14% of all lung cancers in a country, depending on the national average radon level and the smoking prevalence. An increased rate of lung cancer was first seen in uranium miners exposed to very high concentrations of radon.

Do water filters remove radon?

Another method for removing radon from water is by using granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Activated carbon filters can remove 99% of radon in water, but require relatively large amounts of carbon and long contact times to achieve this efficiency.


Can you boil radon out of water?

Drinking radon in water can cause stomach and other internal organ cancers. But the risk of contracting lung cancer by inhaling radon from well water is much greater. Radon gas escapes from well water every time you open a faucet, use the kitchen sprayer, shower, do laundry, or boil or evaporate water.

Does radon stay in your lungs?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General's office estimate radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles from radon gas can get trapped in your lungs.

Does bottled water have radon?

As regards to bottled waters, population exposure to radon concentration in such waters is usually low because radon half-life is much shorter than the typical time needed by bottled waters to reach consumers' houses.


What would happen if you inhaled radon?

The explanation. Radon produces a radioactive dust in the air we breathe. The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.

Can radon be absorbed into food?

It is also possible to consume radon by eating agricultural products that are grown in radon-contaminated soils, but the risk of eating foods that contain high concentrations of radon is also low.

What is the cure for radon poisoning?

Unfortunately there is no therapy currently available to treat radon poisoning itself. When a person is suspected of having radon poisoning, it is important to limit further exposure to radon as much as possible to prevent further lung damage.


What do you do for radon poisoning?

Depending on histologic type, local extension into adjacent anatomical structures, presence of metastases, and the general health of the patient, treatment options may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and possibly immunotherapy.

What kind of filter removes radon from water?

Radon is easily removed by aeration, since it is a gas. Carbon filtration is also very effective in removing radon.

Are radon concerns overblown?

The team that conducted the Chinese study, including four researchers from the National Cancer Institute, concluded that "projections from surveys of miners exposed to high radon levels may have overestimated the overall risks of lung cancer associated with levels typically seen in homes."


What is the fastest way to get rid of radon?

There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one most used has a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil depressurization system, does not require major changes to your home.

Does opening windows remove radon?

As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. 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.

How common is radon poisoning?

According to the National Cancer Institute, scientists estimate that every year between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States are related to radon.


What are the symptoms of too much radon?

You won't have symptoms of radon poisoning right away. Instead, health problems from the exposure, such as lung cancer, show up after many years. Lung cancer may start as a nagging cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing that doesn't go away.

What states have the most radon?

Radon is measured by its rate of decay, expressed as pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
...
Below are the top five states with the greatest radon levels based on data from several sources.
  • Alaska: 10.7 pCi/L. ...
  • South Dakota: 9.6 pCi/L. ...
  • Pennsylvania: 8.6 pCi/L. ...
  • Ohio: 7.8 pCi/L. ...
  • Washington: 7.5 pCi/L.
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