One of our Water Specialists was listening to NH Public Radio’s show, The Exchange, last week and heard this program, Mapping Cancer in NH, Part I. She thought that it would be a good piece to share with our community because it touches on the impact of poor water quality on the potential of contracting certain types of cancer.
Bladder Cancer – Arsenic In Water Supply
Bladder cancer shows up at higher rates in NH than across the country. 40% higher in NH as compared to national average. In fact, Northern New England is a hot spot for bladder cancer. One of the leading causes is untreated arsenic in private or semi-private water supplies (under 15 or 20 homes).
Lung Cancer – Radon In Air & Water Supply
In NH, we have a 14% higher incidence rate of lung cancer over that of the rest of the country. Smoking is the highest risk factor for contracting lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause. According to the guests on The Exchange, 1 in 15 homes in NH have radon in the air, and it’s estimated that 78,000 homes have radon and don’t know it. That’s 200,000 people living in homes with this colorless, odorless gas. Radon in the water does impact lung cancer risk, but it also is intimately connected with incidences of stomach cancer.
If you’re concerned about the safety of your water, contact us today. We can walk you through the testing process and let you know your options in terms of water treatment.
We can also refer you to radon air mitigation companies that we trust.
