![]() The self-screening tests would include the following: Because beta particles may be associated with man-made sources of radiation, these particles could be a concern because you are located near a nuclear power plant, chemotherapy medical facilities, or a landfill.Ĭontamination of treated "city water", i.e., a community water supply system or a non-transient non-community system, by radionuclides is not likely because the EPA and state agencies require that the raw water sources be tested and standard water treatment processes would reduce the level of naturally-occurring radionuclides prior to entering the water distribution system. Regarding your water source, a potential problem with radionuclides could be related to a private water source, such as: a well or spring, a surface water source down-gradient of a mining operation, a wastewater treatment plant that processes production brine water, a region where the geology is characterized by igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock derived from igneous/metamorphic rock containing NORM, and rather old limestone formations. There are meters that can be used to measure background radiation in your area, but there is no simple screening test. You can not see, smell, taste, or otherwise detect beta particles with your senses. The state may use a Running Annual Average limit (minus potassium 40) of less than or equal to 50 pCi/L" ( Source) ![]() "If your state says you are vulnerable to contamination from man-made radionuclides, you must take quarterly samples for gross beta emitters and annual samples for tritium and strontium-90 at each entry point to the water distribution system. ![]() Since different radionuclides decay at different rates, the EPA developed a resource that relates the relative concentration in pCi/L of a variety of man-made nuclides that would produce an equivalent dosage of 4 millirems. The combined MCL for Radium 226 and Radium 228 is 5 pCi/L or a MCLG of ZERO. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for beta particles at a dosage equivalent to 4 millirems/year, but the MCLG is ZERO. ![]() What are the Standards for Beta Particles? What are the Health Risks for Beta Particles?īeta particles are carcinogenic they cause damage to cells, organs, and DNA. ( Informational Graph) How Do Beta Particles Become a problem?Įxposure of the skin to high levels of beta particles can cause "burns" on the skin, like sunburn, and if inhaled or consumed, the energy from beta particles may damage cells or organs by breaking chemical bonds of critical molecules. Note - Radium 226, Uranium 228, radon, and tritium directly/indirectly emit beta particles in the decay series. Some beta-emitters can also produce gamma radiation. In addition to being naturally-occurring, beta particles are also associated with man-made radioactive materials associated with nuclear fission. Beta emitters produce less ionizing radiation than alpha particles, but these particles can pass through the skin and if ingested or inhaled cause cellular and DNA damage although to a lesser extent than alpha particles. Mariah Carey.Get Informed | Beta Particles What are Beta (β) Particles?īeta particles or beta emitters can be found in naturally-occurring radioactive material and from man-made sources.
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