Bengaluru has high levels of radioactive radon present in air and water, residents at risk of cancer: IISc research
Study on water via reverse osmosis found high amount of Uranium
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have found harmful levels of a radioactive element called radon in the air and water in some areas of Bengaluru. This is especially a concern in areas where granite mining is increasing. When people breathe in or drink radon, it can get stuck in their lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Radon is formed from uranium, which changes into radon through a process called radioactive transition. In some parts of Bengaluru, the levels of radon found were 1000 micrograms per liter, which is much higher than the safe limit of 30-60 micrograms per liter. The researchers are now focusing their studies on radon in water.
In some parts of Bengaluru’s outskirts, the levels of uranium in water were found to be as high as 8000 micrograms per liter, which is well above the safe limit of 60 micrograms per liter. Airborne radon is not a big concern as long as the area is well-ventilated, and it should not accumulate indoors.
However, if the area has good ventilation, airborne radon is not a major concern. Professor R Srinivasan of the Divecha Centre for Climate Change says it shouldn’t accumulate indoors. Radon in the air and water can harm lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer, while uranium in the water can harm the urinary tract and cause kidney cancer.
The presence of radon in air and water can harm the tissues in the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. Uranium in the water can affect the urinary tract and cause kidney cancer.
In simple terms, the researchers have found dangerous levels of radioactive elements in some parts of Bengaluru, which can harm people’s health. It is important that steps are taken to protect public health and address this concern.