By regularly testing your water, you prevent prolonged consumption of radioactive matter that can cause serious health complications. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you test your drinking water at least once every year. Removal of Uranium and Radium from Drinking Water Although they can pass completely through our bodies, fractions of the energy can be absorbed by living tissue and cause damage to cells and DNA. Gamma rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body, as they have the capability to penetrate our skin. Like alpha particles, beta particles are hazardous when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed. They are more penetrating and can cause “beta burns” on the skin. Beta Particlesīeta particles are much faster than alpha particles and travel greater distances. If ingested, inhaled or entered through open wounds on the skin, alpha particles can damage living tissue and cells. Alpha ParticlesĪlpha particles are slow and cannot penetrate human skin. These can be harmful to the human body in a number of ways. As radioactive decay continues, ionized radiation is released in the form of alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma rays, into surrounding groundwater.

As uranium decays over millions of years, it forms new elements like radium and polonium. Radioactive elements like uranium are found naturally within the Earth’s crust.

How Do Radioactive Elements Get Into Water? Below, we’ll touch on alpha and beta particles, gamma rays and the effects they have when ingested, while also exploring the causes of uranium in drinking water and well water. As these elements decay, particles can be released into surrounding groundwater. Levels of ionized radiation, uranium and radium can vary based on geographical location.

Radium in water