An Evaluation of the Radon Concentration in North Carolina Ground Water Supplies

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Abstract
Water samples from 225 North Carolina, [USA], groundwater supplies were analyzed to determine the presence of 222Rn. The results range up to a maximum of 46,600 pCi/l. Approximately 33% of the water supplies analyzed had concentrations greater than 2000 pCi/l, the old standard listed by the NCRP (National Commission on Radiological Protection) in NBS (National Bureau of Standards) Handbook 52. There is currently no standard. A review of health studies concerning the radiation dose received via drinking water containing Rn revealed that the stomach was considered the critical organ. A 222Rn concentration in water in the range of 3000-7000 pCi/l delivers to the stomach the 0.5 rem/yr dose limit recommended by the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) for the general population. The inhalation dose resulting from the diffusion of Rn from drinking water into the home atmosphere may be even more restrictive than the ingestion dose to the stomach. A standard should be set and applied for Rn concentrations in water. Rn is poorly soluble in water and may be removed by aeration or other methods to prevent citizens from receiving unnecessary doses.

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