Uranium Is Widespread in U.S. Drinking Water, Study Finds

New research shows that some of the U.S. drinking water supply contains unsafe levels of uranium. According to the study, a small percentage of drinking water systems are estimated to have levels higher than the maximum allowed by the EPA. Highly contaminated water is more likely to be near Hispanic communities.

There is a metallic element and a radioactive element. Though it is often associated with nuclear power, the most common form of uranium is found in small amounts throughout our environment. Our bodies are exposed to minute amounts of the radioactive substance, but most of it is absorbed quickly. Chronic low-level exposure has been linked to various health problems, such as a higher risk ofKidney and heart damage.

People who work in industries that use or collect uranium are more likely to be affected by poisoning. According to the authors of this new research, there is little known about the potential dangers of the radioactive substance in our drinking water.

The researchers used the EPA compliance data to estimate the average concentration of metals in a drinking water supply. The public and other researchers can now view an interactive map of their data.

The EPA sets a maximum level of metals that can be found in our drinking water. Its stated goal is for the water to be free of the radioactive substance. Most of the other metals had low levels throughout the country. The researchers found that around two-thirds of the samples had levels of radioactive material in them. They estimated that 2% of the systems had an average concentration higher than the EPA limit.