Uranium and Radon Gas

Note: The Canadian government implemented a more stringent radon gas guideline of 200 Bq/m³ in June, 2007. See below for more information.

Statistical analysis of our well-water testing data indicates that 42 % of the wells in Chelsea that tested for uranium (66 of 159 uranium tests) had results that were over the Health Canada Interim Maximum Allowable Concentration (IMAC) of 0.02 mg/L (20 µg/L).

The information on this page was developed in order to assist homeowners in interpreting the implications of their uranium results. Since the management of household wells is a private responsibility, it is up to the owner of the well to decide what course of action they will take should they have concerns about the level of uranium in their groundwater.

Below, you will find information on the following:

-Key information regarding naturally-occurring uranium (chemical properties, health implications, etc.) including links to reliable websites
-Treatment options for removing uranium from your water
-The link between uranium in groundwater and radon gas in your house

We have selected existing documents, or extracted key information in order to conserve the reliability of the information. Further, we have consulted with experts at Health Canada to ensure that we have not over-looked any important information. Please contact us if you feel that there is any material that would improve the content of this page.

Key Information on Uranium

The information below was extracted from the scientific Health Canada Supporting Document on Uranium and from interviews with Health Canada employees who specialize in uranium.

Uranium is widespread in nature, occurring in granites and various other mineral deposits
Concern is chemical effects of uranium (radiological effect is insignificant) Possible health impacts are on the kidneys
The Health Canada Guideline (IMAC) is 0.02 mg/L . The guideline was developed using a 50X safety factor (please see the Health Canada Supporting Document for details)
Dermal contact and inhalation not a significant source (i.e. bathing/showering is not a health concern)
Any uranium stored in the kidneys is flushed out after ingestion is halted
Studies on humans have not conclusively shown a relationship between overt renal disease or any other symptomatic complaint and exposure to uranium
Treatment options exist to remove uranium from drinking water
There may be a link between uranium in your water and the presence of radon gas in your house

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have prepared a concise document regarding natural uranium in groundwater.

Treatment Options for Removing Uranium from your Water

We contacted Health Canada to receive their Statement on Treatment Options for Removing Uranium from drinking water.

The key information extracted from this document is:

Health Canada strongly recommends that drinking water treatment devices purchased by the consumer be certified to NSF International standards
Although NSF International does not currently certify any products for reduction of uranium, NSF suggests that reverse osmosis, distillation, or anion exchange resins may be helpful.

The Government of Nova Scotia also recommends reverse osmosis and distillation as effective treatment options for removing uranium from drinking water.

Nova Scotia Information Document on Reverse Osmosis

Nova Scotia Information Document on Distillation

The Link between Uranium in Water and Radon Gas

Below, is some key information extracted from the Canadian Mortgage an Housing Corporations Document on Radon produced in collaboration with Health Canada. The document includes comprehensive information regarding how to reduce radon levels in existing homes and preventative measures for new homes:

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It is formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water
Radon gas that enters an enclosed space such as a home can sometimes accumulate to high levels
The only known health risk associated with exposure to radon is an increased risk of developing lung cancer
Under normal conditions, the intake of radon from indoor air far surpasses the intake of radon from drinking water
Your risk of developing lung cancer from radon depends on the concentration of radon in the air you breathe and the length of time you are exposed
As of June 2007, It is recommended that remedial measures (seal cracks in basement etc.) be taken where the level of radon in a home is found to exceed 200 Bq/m3.
Kits to test for Radon Gas are available for approximately $100 (see below)

Health Canada's Primer on Radon Gas .

Natural Resources Canada provides information on radon including maps that charts areas of the Ottawa region that are more likely to demonstrate significant levels of radon gas.

Please view the Health Canada Supporting Document on Radon for a scientific description of radon gas, health implications, clinical studies and treatment options.

Kits to Test for Radon Gas

The Radiation Safety Institute sells radon testing kits. Cost for the analysis is approximately $100.

Québec Lung Association- Learn about Radon's impact on your HEALTH.

Other useful relevant links on the Radon's impact:

Note: If possible, please send us a copy of your results. The information will help us better understand the presence of radon gas in Chelsea and the link with uranium levels in groundwater. All data is confidential and will be utilised solely for the purpose of the water-monitoring programme. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (819) 827-1124, with any questions that you may have regarding this request.

The Province of Québec also distributes information regarding uranium

The Direction de santé publique de l'Outaouais created a pamphlet regarding uranium in drinking water.