Uranium
Uranium is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth, and exposure to high concentrations over a long period of time can damage the kidneys.
Sources of exposure
Uranium is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth. Uranium is present in small amounts in almost all soils, rocks and waters of the world. It can enter the environment through rain, wind and other natural processes, such as leaching from soil and rock or release from processing plants. Humans have used uranium to build military shielding, weapons, aircraft and helicopters. It is also used as fuel for nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants.
People can come into contact with uranium, radiation or both by staying in abandoned uranium mines, living in a house built with material from a mine or mill, drinking uncontrolled water or not following good water harvesting practices. Everyone comes into contact with small amounts of uranium because it is present in the environment. However, contact with higher concentrations of uranium can be harmful to health.
Possible effects on health
Contact with uranium can cause the following health problems:
- Kidney damage
- high blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases
- Reproductive problems
- Lung cancer, bone cancer
Exposure to uranium can cause health problems in people. Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects of uranium on our health, we know that exposure to uranium can cause kidney damage. Exposure to uranium can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases (diseases where the immune system attacks healthy cells) and reproductive problems. Some types of kidney damage are reversible once exposure to uranium stops. Exposure to radiation from uranium and other natural elements can also affect your health. Possible health effects include lung cancer, bone cancer and impaired kidney function.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-uranium-cleanup/health-effects-uranium
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/atsdr_uranium_and_radiation_health_dec_2014.pdf
https://wqa.org/learn-about-water/common-contaminants/uranium