To the Editor;
Dr. Hoffer’s article of June 6, 2025, “Radon – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You” provides valuable basic information in starting to understand the health risks of radon gas seeping into your home from the soil.
However, it does not address another point of entry radon gas may use to enter your living space: your well water. Radon gas can dissolve in water as the water passes through the soil. When that water is used indoors in cooking, washing dishes, showering etc., the radon gas escapes into the air you breathe. Although ingesting water containing radon is also a health risk, the greater risk comes from airborne radon gas.
Currently, there is no federally enforced standard for radon levels in drinking water. The EPA has proposed levels no higher than 4000 pico curries per liter(pCi/l) for municipal water suppliers. The EPA does not regulate private wells. Private well owners are responsible for the quality of their drinking water.
Maximum radon levels in water vary greatly from state to state. For example, in Massachusetts that level is 10000 pCi/l, in New Hampshire 2000 pCi/l, and in Maine 4000 pCi/l. These limits are recommendations and advisory only.
I am not a health professional, a scientist, nor an expert in radon mitigation. The information I have put forth comes from my own experience in dealing with elevated radon levels in my own well water here in Mattapoisett.
My recommendation to anyone using well water is get your water tested regularly, including for radon ( and PFAS – a subject I hope Dr. Hoffer addresses in the future), and to consult a professional if necessary.
Arthur Damaskos, Mattapoisett
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