What is uranium?
Uranium is a natural metal that is unstable, releasing low levels of radiation as it breaks down. Uranium can be found at low levels in the environment in almost all rocks, soil, and air. Some rock types have more uranium than others.
How can I be exposed to uranium?
Food and drinking water are the main sources of exposure to uranium for most people.
Uranium in soil can stick to root crops, such as potatoes, parsnips, turnips, causing higher levels in these foods. The amount of uranium in these foods depends on the amount of uranium in the soil where they are grown.
In most of the United States, low levels of uranium are found in the drinking water – but higher levels may be found in areas where the rocks and soil naturally have higher levels of uranium. In Massachusetts, several communities in the central part of the state from the eastern end of the MA and CT border to the Merrimack River Valley have naturally higher levels of uranium in bedrock.
How can uranium affect my health?
The primary health effect from eating or breathing high levels of uranium is kidney damage. However, most of the effects seen in humans are due to short-term exposure to high levels, and some workplace studies have shown a reversal of kidney effects after exposure ends. Long-term exposures can also cause harm to the kidney.
What is the drinking water standard for uranium?
The EPA and Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of uranium is 0.03 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
In Massachusetts, local Boards of Health and Health Departments have the authority to regulate private wells and may establish criteria for their location, construction, water quality, and quantity. Additional information for residents who use private wells is available from MassDEP.
What are the testing requirements for uranium?
In Massachusetts, public water systems are required to test for uranium for four consecutive quarters (every three months for a year). Based on the results, a public water system may reduce its testing frequency with approval by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).