Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Conducts Comprehensive Survey on Radon and Other Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is launching a full-scale survey of natural radioactive materials such as radon targeting water supply facilities.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 10th that, following last year, it will conduct a full survey of natural radioactive materials uranium and radon targeting small-scale water supply facilities in the province that use groundwater as raw water starting this month.

This is a follow-up measure after the Ministry of Environment revised parts of the "Drinking Water Quality Standards and Inspection Regulations" and "Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Items" in January last year to include natural radioactive materials uranium and radon as drinking water inspection items.

The survey targets about 370 small-scale water supply facilities remaining in the province after the first survey was completed last year. Small-scale water supply facilities include village waterworks and small-scale water supply facilities that provide water to residents in areas not covered by local waterworks.

The Institute of Health and Environment plans to collect samples directly on-site, as was done last year, to investigate the presence of natural radioactive materials such as uranium and radon, and then notify the city and county authorities of the results.

For facilities with water quality non-compliance, improvement measures such as establishing plans to reduce radioactive materials and suspending use will be encouraged, and continuous inspections will be conducted.

Yoon Mi-hye, director of the Institute of Health and Environment, emphasized, "Through a full survey of natural radioactive materials, we aim to alleviate the vague anxiety of residents about drinking water and provide safe drinking water to residents in vulnerable areas," adding, "We will continue to strive to relieve residents' concerns about drinking water and protect their health."

Meanwhile, among the 346 small-scale water supply facilities surveyed last year, those with water quality non-compliance are currently undergoing follow-up measures such as water supply and installation of radioactive material reduction devices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.