Radioactivity Concerns... Jeonnam Island Seawater Desalination Drinking Water 'Safe'

Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute Conducts Radioactivity Tests
43 Inspections in 6 Cities and Counties
Water Quality Deemed Safe

The Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute conducted inspections on seawater desalination facilities operated in six cities and counties (Yeosu, Goheung, Yeonggwang, Wando, Jindo, Sinan). Provided by Jeonnam Province

The Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute announced that it conducted tests for tritium, a radioactive substance, on seawater desalination facilities installed in island areas within the province, and confirmed that all samples were safe.

This inspection was carried out to address concerns about radioactive contamination and to alleviate residents' anxiety following the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The institute conducted a total of 43 tests from April to September on seawater desalination facilities operated in six cities and counties (Yeosu, Goheung, Yeonggwang, Wando, Jindo, Sinan).

Tritium is mainly produced artificially through nuclear fission and nuclear power plant coolant. In water, tritium replaces regular hydrogen within water molecules (H₂O→HTO) and is rapidly absorbed into the body like water. While most of it is excreted through urine or sweat, high concentrations can potentially cause DNA damage, and its biological half-life in the body is about 10 days.

The drinking water quality standard for seawater desalination facilities is 6.0 Bq/L. The test results showed that tritium was not detected in any of the samples, confirming that the seawater desalination drinking water sources in island areas are in a very safe state.

The inspection was conducted using the institute's beta radionuclide analysis equipment. By scientifically proving that the seawater desalination drinking water sources in island areas are safe from radioactivity, this is expected to not only alleviate residents' concerns but also enhance trust in the safety of drinking water.

Park Hyeyoung, Head of Water Quality Analysis at the Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute, stated, "Because the seawater desalination drinking water sources in island areas are sensitive to external environmental factors, precise water quality analysis and continuous management efforts are necessary." She added, "We will continue to strengthen our cooperation system with related agencies so that residents in island areas can drink water with peace of mind."

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