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Welcome to the January edition of our newsletter. On the road to success, the rule is to always to look ahead. May you reach your destination, and may your journey be wonderful. Make this a year to remember. Happy New Year from all of us at A & L Laboratory!
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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste and is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. It is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in the United States and overall is the second leading cause of lung cancer; it claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named January as National Radon Action Month. During this month there are four things you can do: Test your home; attend a national radon action month event in your area; spread the word; and if you are buying a home buy a radon-resistant home.
We have radon test kits available - call our office to order yours today. 207-784-5354.
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Uranium in Drinking Water
Uranium is a heavy metal that is naturally-occurring and commonly found in rocks, soil and water. It gets into your drinking water when groundwater dissolves minerals that contain uranium; higher levels tend to be from wells drilled in uranium-rich rock formations.
Uranium in surface water can be transported large distances. Some of the uranium in water will stick to sediment and other particles in the water. The amount of uranium in your well water will vary depending on its concentration of bedrock.
Natural uranium is a mixture of three isotopes, or species: U234, U235 and U238. The most common isotope is U238, which makes up 99 percent of all natural uranium. All uranium isotopes are radioactive. The radioactive decay of uranium in rocks and soil forms
radon
, an invisible and odorless radioactive gas.
The maximum contaminant level for uranium is 30 micrograms per liter. If your result exceeds 30 µg/L, you must immediately stop drinking your water, switch to bottled water and contact a water treatment company for an evaluation.
Private well users are strongly encouraged to get their water tested for uranium every 3-5 years if your initial uranium test has come back negative. Any ground shifting can open new pockets that can introduce uranium into your well. If you have a high uranium result we recommend that you also test your water for radon and arsenic. If you have a system installed to remove uranium it is suggested that you test each year to make certain your system is working properly.
Eating or breathing very high levels of uranium can cause acute kidney failure and death. Exposure to high levels of uranium may lead to increased cancer risk, liver damage, and internal irradiation. Exposure to uranium can damage the kidneys and respiratory tract and cause dermatitis and blood changes.
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Perfluorooctanoic acid
Perfluorooctanoic acid,
PFOA, is a manufactured chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals used to make household and commercial products that resist heat and chemical reactions, and repel oil, stains, grease and water. These chemicals are widely found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, water repellant clothing, paper and cardboard food packaging and fire-fighting foam. PFOA does not break down easily and therefore persists for a very long time in the environment, especially in water. Its toxicity and persistence in the environment means it is a potential danger to human health and the environment.
PFOA levels in blood are related to increased lipids, uric acid and liver enzymes in the blood, which may or may not lead to effects on an individual's cardiovascular system, kidneys or liver. Health care providers may want to consider a liver panel, lipid panel and a uric acid analysis for patients who have drinking water contaminated with PFOA.
Studies have also shown a correlation - but not a cause-and-effect relationship - between levels of PFOA in the blood and high blood pressure, low birth weight, some immune system effects, thyroid disease, kidney cancer and testicular cancer. The Health Department does not recommend specific screenings for these outcomes unless you and your physician believe they are warranted based on symptoms.
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A & L Laboratory, a Division of Granite State Analytical Services | 207-784-5354 | rlabranche@granitestateanalytical.com | www.allaboratory.com
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