Ingredient
Radium 226/228
What is Radium 226/228?
Radium 226/228 are isotopes of the element radium, which is naturally radioactive. They are often found in trace amounts in the environment as a result of the decay of uranium and thorium.
Radium isotopes have been historically used for their luminous properties in paints and clocks, but today, they are rarely used in consumer products due to their radioactivity. The health implications of radium exposure are serious, as it can contribute to radiation risk.
On a label, radium presence typically indicates environmental contamination. It's generally not added intentionally to products but can be present in drinking water or other natural sources due to leaching from soil and rocks.
Commonly found in: Environmental contaminant in water, Ancient luminescent paints
What to watch
- Exposure to radium is associated with increased cancer risk due to its radioactive nature.
- Radium can replace calcium in bones, leading to long-term radiation exposure in the body.
The FDA does not approve radium in consumer products, and requires public water systems to monitor and control radium levels.
Research indicates significant health risks from exposure, primarily linked to cancer due to radiation emitted by radium.
Radium is not derived from animals and is considered vegan, though its concerns are not related to dietary preferences.
Sources: Radium in Drinking Water · Radium isotopes' health effects
Scout's take
Radium detected at 0.054 pCi/L, above EWG's strict health guideline of 0.05 pCi/L; below the EPA legal limit of 5 pCi/L.
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