Ionising radiation is dangerous for living organisms, whether natural or artificial. Although we are all exposed to natural radioactivity, it is normally not very significant and comes from the radioactive decay of elements in the earth's crust or atmosphere, or from cosmic rays.
Numerous studies have been carried out to establish the effects of radiation on health, and in particular the biological effects of exposure to radiation in water.
This radioactivity in water, when it is natural, is low. Its concentration nevertheless remains variable, depending largely on the radiochemical composition of the rock and subsoil through which it has run.
But other, artificial sources present a much greater danger, and this pollution is spread not only in the air, but also in the water. And our drinking water is not spared. Chernobyl, Fukushima but also in France.
This is tritium, the radioactive hydrogen released by nuclear power stations. Even if the concentration set by the health authorities has not been exceeded, the fact that this pollution is found in drinking water is not reassuring and, above all, is certainly indicative of pollution by other radioactive elements at much higher concentrations.
In drinking water, studies have shown that natural alpha emitters (radiation caused by radioactive decay with the ejection of an alpha particle), such as radium 226 (a radium isotope produced by the decay of uranium 238 used in nuclear power stations) or 228, can cause radiation that is harmful to humans, including tissues and the skeleton.
Radium 228 decays with beta emission (type of radioactive decay with electron or positron emission).
Berkey® filters, as demonstrated by the analysis results published on our website, significantly reduce alpha elements and beta elements, but also uranium
In addition to the proven effectiveness of Berkey® filters on all chemical, bacterial and medicinal pollutants, using the Berkey® water filtration system is an effective way of eliminating radiological contaminants present in water.
