Lesson 9

1. Lesson 9 How can you measure radon in water?

2. Radon in water • Tap water from underground source may be a concern • Test water to determine radon level • Tap water from surface source usually not a concern

3. Risk from radon in water • Radon released into the air • Radon remaining in water

4. Result of radon in water Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer associated with radon

5. CT Department of Public Health Guidelines For private wells Mitigate if average (of 2 or more samples in 1 year) is 5,000 pCi/L or more

6. Taking a water samplePrinciples • Sample carefully • Sample fresh water directly from well • Avoid exposure to open air when you collect and transport sample • Avoid air bubbles in the sample vial • Analyze promptly • Ensure that the lab analyzes the sample within 4-6 hours of its collection • Use a lab approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/EHS/Radon/Documents/ LABLIST.pdf

7. Syringe Immersion Sampling techniques

8. Preparation for both techniques • Remove aerator if present • Select a sample point before water passes through any water treatment device • Example: Outside hose connection • Purge water that has been sitting in pipes and tanks • Run cold water from faucet for enough time to collect water directly from the well • Usually about 20-25 minutes • If sampling outside • Do not let purge water puddle in the yard • Resident can assist purging by running water inside the home Sample before • Hot water heater • Water softener • Holding tank

9. Syringe technique • Equipment • A 20-mL hypodermic syringe • 2 glass vials • With TFE or foil-lined caps that seal tightly • Containing “liquid scintillation cocktail” • A sampling funnel • Tubing or hose

10. Syringe technique procedure • Use a short hose to connect the funnel to faucet • Run water to fill the hose and overflow funnel • Slow the water flow and insert syringe below water surface in funnel • Slowly collect a 12-15 mL sample • Rinse and repeat a few times • Invert syringe to eject any air bubbles and retain 10 mL of water • Place syringe tip below “liquid scintillation cocktail” and gently inject 10 mL sample into vial • Slowly withdraw syringe • Tightly cap the vial • Repeat, taking second sample from same source

11. Immersion technique • Equipment • 2 40-mL glass vials with TFE or foil-lined caps that seal tightly • Hose or tubing • Clean 5-gallon bucket or similar container

12. Immersion technique procedure • Attach one end of hose or tubing to spigot, and place other end in bucket • Fill bucket about half full of water • Slow the flow rate and submerge vial in bucket • Place vial below hose, where fresh water is entering bucket • Let vial fill with fresh water for about 20 seconds • Cap vial while it is still submerged and water is running • Repeat with another vial, taking second sample from same source Be careful to avoid air bubbles

13. Check for air bubbles Turn vials upside down If you see bubbles, repeat collection procedure until sample contains no bubbles Record Sample name/ID (usually address) Date and time of collection Pack vials carefully Mail to lab the same day Send via quick method so samples arrive within 3 days Lab should analyze samples the same day they arrive After collection

14. Activity • Practice the two techniques • Note any problems using the techniques

15. Underground water sources may contain dangerous levels of radon Radon can cause lung, stomach, and other cancers CT DPH guidelines: mitigate if average level is 5,000 pCi/L or more Summary See handout 9-1

16. Summary Principles of taking water samples • Sample carefully • Get fresh water direct from well • Avoid exposure to open air during collection and transport • Avoid air bubbles in sample • Analyze samples promptly

17. Syringe technique Immersion technique Summary

18. Questions

19. Check your understanding • See handout 9-2