本文一般讨论放射性核素，但重点是镭、铀和氡，它们是饮用水供应商最关心的放射性核素。这篇文章是对美国环境保护署和加利福尼亚州卫生服务部的人员进行文献检索和采访的结果，涵盖放射性核素化学、健康影响、放射性核素的出现、当前和未来的法规、治疗技术和监测。包括44个参考文献、表格和图表。

This article discusses radionuclides in general, but it focuses on radium, uranium, and radon, which are the radionuclides of most concern to drinking water suppliers. Developed as the result of literature searches and interviews with personnel from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Health Services, the article covers radionuclide chemistry, health effects, the occurrence of radionuclides, current and future regulations, treatment technologies, and monitoring. Includes 44 references, tables, figures.