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Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Health effects guidance for uranium in drinking water
Health Physics
|January 1, 1983
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a drinking water guideline for uranium. A proposed level of 10 pCi/L suggests an estimated lifetime cancer risk of 3 X 10(-5) excess cancers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Interim regulations for radioactivity in drinking water were established in 1976.
- Uranium was excluded from these regulations due to uncertainties in toxicology, treatment, and occurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the approach considered by the EPA's Office of Drinking Water for developing a health effects guidance level for uranium.
- To present a working hypothesis for review and comment regarding uranium in drinking water.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of uranium occurrence, pharmacokinetics, and health effects.
- Dose calculations using the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 30 model.
- Risk determination using the EPA's newly developed life table approach.
Main Results:
- A proposed health effects guidance level of 10 pCi/L (0.37 Bq/L) for uranium in drinking water is under consideration.
- The estimated lifetime risk from ingesting drinking water with 10 pCi/L of uranium is approximately 3 X 10(-5) excess cancers.
Conclusions:
- The proposed guidance level is a working hypothesis, not yet official EPA policy.
- The study provides a basis for public comment on uranium levels in drinking water.
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