Health Canada has opened consultations for feedback on proposed maximum allowable concentrations pertaining to the three natural radionuclides: (Pb-210 [lead-210], Ra-226 [radium-226] and Ra-228 [radium-228]).
In a new technical report, Health Canada refers to three published studies summarizing the available Canadian data for large community water sources, all of which indicate that doses from Ra-226, Rn-222 (radon-222), Pb-210 and Ra-228 are under 0.1 millisievert per year (mSv/y). Health Canada is basing the proposed guidelines on a new reference level of 1 mSv/y, which is higher than the value in past recommendations.
The adjustment comes because Canadian drinking water sources of radionuclides are “overwhelmingly of natural origin, so the very stringent requirements for industrial releases do not apply,” states Health Canada.
They typically enter the source water via natural processes such as the erosion of radionuclide-bearing minerals in rock and soil.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The latest environmental engineering news direct to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Most radionuclides can be effectively treated in municipal-scale treatment facilities. Health Canada states that the best technologies available for the removal of radionuclides at this level are ion exchange (IX), reverse osmosis (RO) and lime softening.
All comments must be received before January 10, 2025.
