When the Fukushima nuclear plant melted down in Japan, it was very scary for those of us on the West Coast!
It is not really know for sure if radiation from Japan reached U.S. shores in amounts high enough to be of health concern. We do know that some trace amounts have already reached the U.S. but so far experts say it is not enough to be of concern.
The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stated that Reverse Osmosis is one of the best technologies to use to possibly reduce the effect of radiation in drinking water:
How will radionuclides be removed from my drinking water?
According to the EPA, the following treatment method(s) have proven to be effective in removing radionuclides at levels below their MCLs:
Beta particle and Photon Radiation: ion exchange and reverse osmosis;
(Gross) Alpha Emitters: reverse osmosis;
Radium 226 and Radium 228 (Combined): ion exchange, reverse osmosis, lime softening;
Uranium: Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, lime softening, coagulation/filtration.
Dr. Fenwick has also released this statement:
"Radioactivity (its sources, the decay process, transmission, protection, and disposal) is an unquestionably complex topic. The information provided here is admittedly, and necessarily, very general. The largest concern in drinking water after a meltdown is likely the presence of Uranium, although there are many additional sources (Plutonium, Radium, Cesium, etc.). We do not specifically test for the reduction of these materials, nor are there NSF standards/ protocols. With that said, heavier radionuclides, like those listed above, are likely reduced with our [carbon filter] blocks, specifically those blocks that are certified for lead reduction. (All Multipure carbon block filters are NSF-Certified for lead reduction.)
"Three important notes:
1. As always, efficacy and lifetime will depend on several factors (compounds’ unique properties, concentration in the influent water, water chemistry, etc.).
2. In addition to those listed above, several other “daughter” nuclides/ radionuclides (products of the decay process) of various chemistries/ classes will have various reduction efficacies. Commenting on these is not possible.
3. Unlike other non-radioactive contaminants (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, VOCs, other organics), removal from the water, and thus concentration in the block, may not be sufficient for the radioactive elements/ compounds. They continue to emit radiation even when removed/ immobilized.
Based on these issues, and the EPA testing and “endorsement,” reverse osmosis is a more bona fide technology in this case.”
Learn more about the Aqua RO system.
See the NSF Certification data for all contaminants filtered by the Aqua RO unit.
(Note that this unit was formerly known as the 750PlusRO system.)
This Reverse Osmosis System plus carbon block filter retails for $579.95.
It is my hope that everyone will get off the plastic bottle habit and Go Green by Multipure water filter system
that is certified by NSF to reduce the widest range of contaminants, for your health and for the health of Mother Earth!
