PENNSYLVANIA, MAY 11, 2017 -- Radon has been found in some Pennsylvania water wells. A government study released Thursday showed high levels of the cancer-causing material in 14% of wells. The wells were tested between 1986 and 2015.
The Associated Press says radon primarily enters a home through rock and soil, and can be released from water and become airborne.
In samples from more than 1,000 wells, the U.S. Geological Survey said levels of Radon were extremely high in York, Lancaster and Chester counties. Residents are advised to test the air in their homes, and if levels of radon are elevated, they should ten test their water.
About 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are attributed to radon. Water systems can be cleaned of the chemical with charcoal or aeration processes.
