Learn About NSF/JWPA Protocol P72: DWTU – Iodine Radioisotope Reduction

What is radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine (I-131) is produced by the fission of uranium atoms during the operation of nuclear reactors. Iodine is a solid substance that can go directly from a solid to a gas, without first becoming liquid. This vapor is irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. Radioactive iodine products form within fuel rods. Reactor chemistry must be carefully controlled, to avoid rapid build-up and increased pressure that may cause corrosion, cracks or other breaches in the rods.

Why was NSF/JWPA Protocol P72 developed?

NSF and JWPA began developing the protocol, at the request of water treatment systems manufacturers following the tragic earthquake in Japan in March 2011, to help solve consumer confusion and provide a means to evaluate drinking water systems that reduce radioactive iodine. Manufacturers felt use of water systems certified to the protocol would provide consumers additional reassurance. The protocol was developed by a team of industry experts, including the Japanese Water Purification Association (JWPA), the US Army, and scientists at NSF International to validate the performance claims of point of use (POU) drinking water treatment units (DWTU) to effectively remove all common forms of iodine from drinking water.

What types of products are tested by NSF/JWPA Protocol P72?

The scope of this protocol is intended to cover point of use applications of drinking water treatment units.

Does this protocol incorporate additional regulatory standards?

No, this protocol only addresses the reduction performance of iodine. Other criteria, including material safety, structural integrity, and general product marking are not addressed. This protocol assumes that the system being evaluated has met appropriate standards for the intended market. For example, in the United States of America, the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 42 or 53 for adsorptive or absorptive media and NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis (current editions), Sections 4, 5, 6 and 8.

Who benefits from NSF/JWPA Protocol P72?

Both consumers and manufacturers can benefit from this protocol:

  • Consumers can be assured that by using products certified to NSF/JWPA Protocol P72, their drinking water has all common forms of iodine reduced by at least 50% and up to 99%.
  • Through claims validation, manufacturers can be confident that their product performs effectively and that the needs of the consumer have been met by providing a product that ensures the reduction of iodine contaminants from drinking water.