Thorium Water Test

What is it?

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that can be found in trace quantities throughout the environment; there are also man-made forms of thorium. It is used to produce ceramics, welding rods, camera and telescope lenses, heat-resistant paint, and metals used in the aerospace and nuclear industries. As thorium decays, it emits radioactive alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma radiation. These radioactive emissions account for thorium's potential health effects. For most people, exposure to elevated levels of thorium through drinking water is unlikely.

Where does it come from?

Thorium is ubiquitous in the environment. Background levels exist in nearly all air, water, and soil due to natural processes, including weathering and volcanic eruptions. Thorium may enter the environment and drinking water sources at elevated levels through release from mining, milliing, and metal processing operations, as well as phosphate rock processing and phosphate fertilizer production sites. Once thorium enters water sources, it tends to adhere to sediment and other suspended solids. Elevated levels of thorium are more likely in areas near hazardous waste sites and mining operations.

How does it affect me?

Radioactive atoms like thorium release high energy alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation that may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. Little evidence exists on the health effects of thorium, but ionizing radiation is a potential cause of DNA changes (genotoxicity) and cancer. Drinking water standards for elements that release alpha and beta particles, which includes thorium, are based on an increased risk of cancer. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified thorium as carcinogenic to humans.