Health Effects from Exposure to Uranium
Uranium, a naturally occurring element, can permeate our water sources, raising concerns about its impact on human health and the environment.
Drinking Water
| High Chemical Danger | Make no mistake, this heavy metal is a systemic poison, and can cause kidney failure, liver failure, bone problems, and cancer. The body does not absorb some Uranium compounds, but those absorbed can be dangerous. |
| Low Radiation Danger | The most abundant natural isotopes take billions of years to radioactively decay, so the radiation is slow and in very small concentrations. |
| Low Biological Danger | Inorganic contaminants do not directly pose a biological threat. Contaminants that pose a chemical threat to humans often pose a threat to other animals. Small organisms can accumulate toxic metals, and these metals are often passed to larger organisms that feed on smaller ones. This Bioaccumulation can be a problem in food but is not an issue for Drinking water |
Contact Water (Sink, Bath, Shower)
| Rare Chemical Danger | Extraction of Uranium often requires chemicals that become Uranium salts. Although rare, these compounds, including uranyl fluoride, can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. |
| Low Radiation Danger | The radioactive decay of Uranium results in a charged particle identical to a helium nucleus. Human skin can block this radioactive particle. |
| Low Biological Danger | Inorganic contaminants don’t pose a biological threat. Contaminants that pose a chemical threat to humans often threaten other animals. Small organisms can accumulate toxic metals, which pass to larger organisms. Bioaccumulation is a problem in food but is not a concern for contact with water |
Detection Methods
Detecting uranium in water requires professional water analysis. If you are concerned about the possible concentrations of Uranium in your water, please contact WattsOregon for testing services. We will send sample bottles to your home and will provide prompt sample results.
Water Treatment Options for Municipalities, Industry, and Your Home.
| Reverse Osmosis | Reverse Osmosis filters, remove a broad range of organic, inorganic, and biological toxins by concentrating and flushing them to the drain, providing you with a full year of worry-free drinking water. Units are easy to install and service. |
| Ion Exchange Resin | Industries use ion removal resin to create ultra-pure water for precision manufacturing processes. They trap heavy metals in a disposable filter cartridge that is replaced every year. |
| Filter33 | This specialized Heavy Metal Adsorbent is provided by the water treatment experts at Clarus Water Solutions. Municipalities and other industries use this material to remove harmful heavy metals. This material is not yet packaged for residential use. |
Uranium Isotopes – Unlocking the Environmental Code
There are 28 known isotopes of Uranium, seven of which are found in nature. Uranium, present in the environment and water sources, manifests in various isotopic forms, each possessing distinct properties. Understanding these isotopes provides insights into the crucial role they play in determining the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with uranium contamination.
Uranium isotopes, such as Uranium-238, with its long half-life, exhibit an extremely slow radioactive decay, emitting particles in low concentrations over vast periods. On the other hand, isotopes like Uranium-214, which decay faster, pose a more serious radioactive risk. Fortunately, our environment is predominantly composed of isotopes with long decay rates.
This intricate interplay of isotopes underscores the complexity of uranium’s behavior in the environment, guiding our comprehension of its potential risks and aiding in the development of effective mitigation strategies.
| Isotope | Environmental Average | Protons | Neurons | Half-Life |
| Uranium 238 | 99.27% | 92 | 146 | 4 Billion Years |
| Uranium 235 | 0.72% | 92 | 143 | 700 Thousand Years |
| Uranium 234 | .005% | 92 | 142 | 245 Thousand Years |
| Uranium 233 | Trace | 92 | 141 | 160 Thousand Years |
| Uranium 236 | Trace | 92 | 144 | 23 Billion Years |
| Uranium 237 | Trace | 92 | 145 | 7 Days |
| Uranium 240 | Trace | 92 | 148 | 14 Hours |
| Uranium 214 (Smallest) | 0% | 92 | 122 | < 1 sec |
| Uranium 242 (Largest) | 0% | 92 | 150 | 17 min |
| Average | 146.079 |