Deuterium and Tritium in Bottled Water: Debunking False Advertising Claims

Do you believe that some bottled water suppliers claim their purified water has far less hydrogen isotopes, specifically deuterium and tritium, than regular water? Many of these claims are not only unsupported by scientific evidence but also fall under the realm of false advertising.

The Reality of Deuterium and Tritium in Water

The amounts of deuterium and tritium in water, regardless of its source, are minuscule and have negligible effects on human health. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, is known to cause a kinetic isotope effect, potentially altering the rate of certain reactions. However, this effect is so minute that it would not significantly impact your health.

Tritium, on the other hand, is radioactive and has a short biological half-life of 7 to 14 days. In the environment, tritium is usually produced by irradiating lithium in nuclear reactors. The tritium in water has a biological half-life that reduces the total effects of single ingestion and precludes long-term bioaccumulation.

Natural Occurrence and Sources of Deuterium and Tritium in Water

Deuterium naturally occurs in water at a proportion of about 1 molecule in 3200. It is not radioactive and is chemically the same as regular hydrogen. The concept of “heavy water” might suggest a significant presence, but the reality is that this is a very trace amount with no medical significance. In contrast, naturally occurring tritium is extremely rare on Earth. Tritiated water has a short biological half-life in the human body, which significantly reduces its impact.

Deep Underground Aquifers and Surface Water Variations

It is true that deuterium levels in deep underground aquifers might differ slightly from surface water, due to various geological processes. However, the only way to measure this accurately is through mass spectrometric analysis. Surface water has seen an increase in tritium levels due to nuclear testing, while underground water may have remained unaffected.

Health Concerns and Scientific Evidence

Therefore, the amount of deuterium and tritium in regular water is minuscule and of no medical interest. Claims that these isotopes are harmful are generally unfounded. The health effects associated with these isotopes are insignificant. Consequently, doubts arise about the accuracy of removing deuterium from the water as a practical and economic process.

Additional Health Concerns: Radon Gas in Water

One significant health concern related to drinking water is radon gas. Radon dissolved in well water can reach dangerous levels, especially if the water runs through a uranium formation. Some well water has radiation levels exceeding those permitted for nuclear plant workers. However, bottled water sellers are not required to test for radon levels, and it's crucial to be cautious about these risks.

In conclusion, the claims made by some bottled water suppliers are often false advertising, exaggerating the potential dangers of deuterium and tritium in water. The real concern should be radon gas contamination, which is a separate issue altogether. It is essential for consumers to be wary of such misleading marketing strategies and to consult credible scientific sources for accurate information.