What is Radon
Radon, a radioactive gas that has no taste, color, or odor, is a byproduct that is produced by the natural radiation process of uranium. Radon is produced naturally in the environment by uranium that radioactively breaks down in the ground, being released into both the air and groundwater.
Why is Radon Dangerous
Radon is extremely dangerous when breathed in, likened to cause lung cancer. But, why is radon dangerous, and how does it cause cancer? As radon decays, it breaks down into radioactive particles that are absorbed by the body, manifesting within the cellular tissue that it connects to. In the case of breathing in radon, this means that these radioactive particles are absorbed by the soft tissue of the lungs.
While the majority of radon-based deaths are caused by high concentrations of radon found within homes, wherein family members are breathing it in on a daily basis, data shows that between 30 to nearly 2,000 deaths take place each year due to radon found within drinking water supplies. The local answer to “why is radon dangerous” is that you might be interacting with it on a daily basis, all without knowing it. With the average American using nearly 90 gallons of water each day in their home, it makes for a high level of mineral contact, especially if that water is irradiated.
How Does Radon Get Into My Water
Radon is most often found in groundwater systems that contain high levels of granite, making New Hampshire — “The Granite State” — a location that requires thoroughness when cleaning local water supplies. In particular, this radon can easily penetrate groundwater and infest private wells.
Municipal wells and public water systems often clean most of its water of radon and other dangerous minerals, meaning that the 64% of New Hampshirites that rely on public water systems are bound to be safe. However, the 36% that get their drinking water from private wells need to be certain that their water is properly filtrated, removing any unhealthy minerals and radioactive particles.
Why is Water Testing Important
Similarly, why is radon dangerous? We know that certain particles and minerals can be unhealthy either when consumed or come in contact with. It is for this reason that water filtration systems are important, because lessening water contamination and increasing water purity should be a goal for any homeowner.
While you water might look clean, knowing the difference between clear vs clean water is important. You might not be able to see certain minerals or particles floating in your water, so it is important to regularly conduct water testing to ensure that the private wells of your land is safe for both contact and consumption. If you are worried about unsafe mineralization levels or want to guarantee that radon isn’t a worry, schedule a water test in the near future.
