Radium (226 + 228)
Category: radiological
EPA MCL
5 pCi/L
Status
EPA Regulated
NSF Standard
NSF/ANSI 58
Health Effects
Increased risk of bone cancer with long-term exposure. Radium accumulates in bones and emits radiation that can damage surrounding tissue. Both Ra-226 (alpha emitter) and Ra-228 (beta emitter) are regulated together.
Where It Comes From
Erosion of natural deposits. Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in certain rock formations, particularly granite and sandstone aquifers.
Where It's Commonly Found
Groundwater in parts of the Midwest, Great Plains, Texas, and the Mid-Atlantic region. More common in deeper wells tapping certain aquifer formations. Chicago-area water has notably elevated radium levels.
Hundreds of community water systems exceed the EPA MCL. EWG has found that many more systems exceed their health guideline, which is stricter than the EPA standard.
How to Remove It
Effective Technologies
- reverse osmosis
- ion exchange
- water softener
- distillation
Does NOT Remove It
- activated carbon
- carbon block
- UV
- KDF
- mechanical filtration
- ceramic
Official Sources
Related Contaminants
Learn More
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