I was looking into a popular water brand in the Midwest called chippewa water from Wisconsin. When I looked at their water quality report it mentioned Alpha particles in the water "P1 Gross Alpha: 5.4 pCi/L"
Later I found this article talking about how that level is equivalent to 1 X-ray and that it falls in the safe range... how is it safe to have an X-ray dose of radiation for every liter of water consumed!? However, I will say that the article doesn't mention the dose per liter but that's what the above test used as a range, so I'm assuming they (the article below) means pCi/L.
"Most drinking water sources have very low levels of alpha radiation and are not considered to be a health concern. Levels at or less than 5 pCi/ do not even require further testing. This level is comparable to having one x-ray."
How common and severe of a problem is this? To me it seems pretty disturbing. How many waters are contaminated and the consumers or well owners don't know?
I'm not sure if I'm dissecting this correctly as I have limited knowledge of ionizing radiation but it seemed alarming at first sight.
I know alpha particles don't pass even a sheet of paper but it seems that consuming or breathing them in is where the major risks are.
Later I found this article talking about how that level is equivalent to 1 X-ray and that it falls in the safe range... how is it safe to have an X-ray dose of radiation for every liter of water consumed!? However, I will say that the article doesn't mention the dose per liter but that's what the above test used as a range, so I'm assuming they (the article below) means pCi/L.
"Most drinking water sources have very low levels of alpha radiation and are not considered to be a health concern. Levels at or less than 5 pCi/ do not even require further testing. This level is comparable to having one x-ray."
Gross Alpha in Drinking Water | Health Effects & Treatment Options
Gross Alpha is a test that is performed to measure the overall radioactivity in drinking water.
www.atsenvironmental.com
How common and severe of a problem is this? To me it seems pretty disturbing. How many waters are contaminated and the consumers or well owners don't know?
I'm not sure if I'm dissecting this correctly as I have limited knowledge of ionizing radiation but it seemed alarming at first sight.
I know alpha particles don't pass even a sheet of paper but it seems that consuming or breathing them in is where the major risks are.