Natural radionuclides in mineral waters

Concentration levels of natural radionuclides in mineral waters have been studied in several European countries. In the Federal Republic of Germany in recent years a nationwide investigation was carried out by several institutions.The concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, uranium isotopes, ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po found are similar to those in other European countries. While for adults the health risk from drinking mineral water is comparable to the risk from terrestrial radiation, special consideration has to be given to the risk of infants when mineral water is used for preparing their food.