Radon

What Is Radon?

Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas  produced through the natural breakdown of Uranium in the earth’s bedrock.

Radon can enter a home through both air and water supplies. Radon enters household air supplies primarily as a result of gas being released from the soil directly under a home.

Radon gas can also enter a home through its water supply.

How did Radon get Into my Water?

While still underground, Radon gas accumulates in underground water sources. Eventually, in many cases, it finds its way into a home’s drinking water.

Once this water enters a home the gas is able to escape, entering the close proximity air we breathe in concentrated dosages. This happens primarily through exit points such as shower heads, faucets, dishwashers and washing machines.

Why is Radon a Concern?

Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. About 20,000 deaths a year in the U.S. are caused by breathing radon through indoor air.

Although breathing the gas released from household water still represents the most significant health concern, drinking water that contains radon also presents a risk for developing internal organ cancers; these can include both stomach and skin cancers.

Both State and Federal regulatory agencies have set the recommended Maximum Contamination Level for Radon in water at 4,000 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Levels above this maximum represent an increase in the health risks associated with Radon contamination.

Radon Detection and Prevention

Because Radon gas poses serious health concerns we strongly suggest having your drinking water tested for the presence of Radon.  Contact us and we’ll be happy to schedule a time to perform an in-home Water Radon test or we can advise you on choosing a State Certified Testing Laboratory.

For more information on Radon health risks and mitigation methods, visit The Maine Radon Homepage and The EPA’s guide to Basic Information about Radon in Drinking water. Here you will find advice on testing facilities, health concerns and a list of Licensed Maine Mitigation Professionals.

Since 1983 Ward Water has helped to mitigate Maine water Radon from homes throughout the state. We are licensed Water Radon Mitigation Professionals, registered with the State of Maine C.D.C. Radon Control Program.

To learn more about testing or specific treatment methods feel free to contact our office. We’ll be happy to offer advice on treatment & testing or set a time to meet at your home free of charge.

Also, for more in depth information on Radon and other water related topics visit our Water Resource Blog for helpful information and advise.

What to Do

If you have concerns that your home’s water supply may contain Radon, please feel free to contact our offices. We’ll be happy to advise you on appropriate testing procedures or provide information on various treatment methods.