Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Jeff S.
status       other
age          50s

Question -   I am considering a UV water treatment system for my home
after having no luck with chlorination treatments on my bacteria laden
well. The owner of a local testing lab is of the opinion that UV
treatment of water can pose a carcinogen danger over a period of
time.  He felt ozone treatment would be safer and mentioned it is
currently used in Europe.  Is there any truth to his opinion on the
dangers of UV and the preference of ozone treatment?
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Jeff,

Both ozonation and UV are excellent water treatments. I am not aware of any
carcinogenic effects produced by UV. I suggest you ask the analyst what
specific compounds need be present in the water and the nature of the
carcinogen derived from those compounds as a result of exposure to UV.

Regards,
ProfHoff 352
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