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Assessing potential risks from exposure to natural uranium in well water
A C Hakonson-Hayes1, P R Fresquez, F W Whicker
1Environment, Safety, and Health Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87545, USA.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|February 19, 2002
Summary
High uranium levels in Nambe, New Mexico well water contaminate produce. Lettuce and radish showed significant uranium uptake, posing potential health risks from ingestion and gardening activities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Over 50% of Nambe, New Mexico wells exceed the US EPA's 20 µg/L 238U standard.
- Uranium concentrations in Nambe wells reach up to 1,200 µg/L.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess uranium uptake in common crops irrigated with contaminated well water.
- To evaluate human health risks from consuming contaminated produce and soil exposure.
Main Methods:
- Irrigating tomato, squash, lettuce, and radish with water containing 0, 150, 500, and 1,200 µg/L uranium.
- Measuring uranium concentration in plants.
- Estimating human dose and toxicity via ingestion and inhalation pathways.
Main Results:
- Uranium concentration in plants increased linearly with irrigation water uranium levels.
- Lettuce and radish exhibited the highest uranium accumulation.
- A 70-year exposure to 1,200 µg/L uranium water resulted in an estimated 0.17 mSv dose and 0.8 µg/g kidney uranium.
Conclusions:
- Nambe well water poses a risk due to high uranium levels.
- Crops, especially lettuce and radish, accumulate uranium, increasing dietary exposure.
- Human health risks are associated with consuming contaminated produce and gardening activities.