WHAT IS URANIUM? We can not eliminate exposure to uranium WHAT SHOULD I DO? in the environment.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive We can, however, reduce our health risks Sensitive Populations metal found in rocks, soils, and water. As a by minimizing exposure. result, some private water wells in Georgia may Infants and young children are most at risk for exceed the federal regulatory standard for adverse health effects from repeated exposure uranium in public water supplies. Uranium to uranium in drinking water. Because of their occurs more often in bedrock, and deep bedrock WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS body weight and developing systems, infants wells are more likely than shallow wells to have FROM URANIUM? and children are exposed to higher doses. Their elevated levels of uranium. The amount of growing bodies absorb more contamination and uranium in well water will vary greatly from place Natural uranium is in your normal diet, so there can sustain permanent to place. Testing is the only way to determine if will always be some level of uranium in all parts damage if exposures occur water contains uranium. of your body. Most uranium in drinking water is during critical growth quickly eliminated from the body, but a small stages. While exposure to elevated levels of uranium in amount is absorbed from the digestive tract. Therefore, pregnant and drinking water for a short period of time is not an Exposure to elevated levels of uranium over a immediate health concern, uranium may pose a nursing women, women long period of time can damage your kidneys. who may become health risk when the water is used for drinking However, the kidney can recover from this and cooking over many years. This is from the pregnant, infants and small damage after exposure is reduced or eliminated. children are sensitive toxic effect of the uranium metal, not radiation. It has not been determined whether uranium in The amount of radiation emitted by uranium is populations that should drinking water causes cancer. Talk to your avoid consuming water with elevated levels of very small, and poses little health risk. health care provider regarding your particular uranium for an extended period of time. You can be exposed to uranium by drinking and health concerns. Medical tests can measure for cooking with water containing uranium. Uranium uranium in the body and for kidney function. Test Your Home for Radon does not absorb through the skin. It does not “evaporate” from the water into the air. CAN I REMOVE URANIUM FROM MY When uranium is found in drinking water, the WELL WATER? indoor air should be tested for radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the The Georgia Department of Public Health decay of uranium. Radon can build up in indoor recommends that you contact your county air, resulting in an elevated radon level in the cooperative extension office or a state-certified home. Radon emits particles that can be harmful laboratory and ask for a uranium test. The test to the human body, primarily the lungs. It is the costs about $50. If you do have elevated leading cause of lung cancer among non- uranium, you can install a “point of use” filtration smokers. In fact, everyone in Georgia should system in your home. test their home for radon gas.

Point of use filtration systems can remove up to For more information about testing 90 percent of uranium in drinking water. These systems require proper installation and your home for radon, maintenance. A system costs about $500, plus contact the Chemical Hazards Program at 404-657-6534 or visit our website: the cost of installation. You can save money by installing a system yourself. www.health.state.ga.us/programs/hazards

IS URANIUM REGULATED? FOR MORE INFORMATION URANIUM IN The Safe Drinking Water Act covers uranium in public drinking water. The U.S. Environmental PRIVATE WATER Protection Agency establishes maximum Georgia Department of Public Health contaminant levels (MCLs) for radioactive Chemical Hazards Program WELLS contaminants in public drinking water supplies. (404) 657-6534 MCLs are below levels at which health effects have been observed. Therefore, they are www.dph.ga.gov/chemical-hazards assumed to be protective of public health. The uranium MCL is 30 µg/l (micrograms per liter) or 30 ppb (parts per billion) in drinking water. Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories Although private wells are not subject to the University of Georgia same regulatory standards as those set for public drinking water supplies, it is Cooperative Extension (706) 542-5350 recommended for health purposes that private well owners use these standards to guide their http://aesl.ces.uga.edu water treatment decisions.

COMMON QUESTIONS U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Radiation Protection Programs Uranium ore Does uranium cause cancer? (404) 562-9459

There are insufficient data to determine if uranium www.epa.gov/radiation/basic causes cancer in humans and experimental animals. CHEMICAL HAZARDS PROGRAM

Can I use my water for bathing and laundry? Environmental Health Section Southface Energy Institute (radon) Yes, this water can continue to be used for bathing, showering, dish and clothes washing. If there is Outside Atlanta 1-800-745-0037 uranium in your well water, test your home for radon Atlanta Area 404-872-3549, Ext. #148 gas, which is dangerous when inhaled. www.southface.org

Can I water my garden?

Yes, this water can continue to be used for growing food and will not contaminate the environment.

Is public water safe?

Yes. Public water providers work with state regulators to correct problems in systems that exceed the MCL. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corrective methods include obtaining a new water www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclides/uranium.html; source, blending water from more than one source, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and removing uranium by treatment. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=439&tid=77.