Radioactive contamination water/zirconium

Radioactive contamination by water
General
Radioactive (soluble!) elements are present in rocks and in the earth. Ground water and mineral water which come into touch with the radioactive elements absorb a small percentage of them. The highest radioactive percentage (measured) in the water is 1.7 becquerels (Bq) per litre; the values would normally be between 0.4 and 2.5 Bq per litre. These values become remarkable if we consider that an adult person consumes on average about 700 litres of water per year. Since 1998 the EU has been prescribing that only 0,1 mSv per year of level of contamination by water is allowed to be measured (Ex.: 1 Bq/l in U238 corresponds to 0,12 mSv/l). Exactly for this reason everybody should always pay attention to the quality of the mineral water he is drinking. Until today, however, mineral water manufacturers have no obligation to indicate the amount of radioactivity on the labels of bottles. If required, therefore, one should address the Consumer Protection Organisations or the ministries concerned.

Bio compatibility of zirconium oxides (UNIVERSITY OF TRIESTE)
Since uranium, thorium and zirconium are stored together in rocks, there were and there are more and more impurities of the pure zirconium. Even if during the production process of zirconium powder such elements should be usually separated, impurities in the product are often detected (though in less strong concentrations than in the rock itself).
Many random tests carried out, showed negative results. Despite everything, the share of radioactive radiation is very low in zirconium and for this very reason the clinical use of this material is also quite safe.