Infamous Chernobyl Chemical Uranium Also Detected in 66% of US Community Water Systems

Uranium, a lethal chemical element present during the infamous Chernobyl disaster of 1986 in Soviet Ukraine, is also detected in the US community water systems (CWS) based on monitoring records of metal concentrations and patterns of inequalities across the country.

US Community Water Systems

In a new study published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers from the Columbia University-Mailman School of Public Health in New York City discovered that the metal concentrations were significantly high in CWS serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities across the US.

Uranium was detected in two-thirds of 66% of the CWS in these communities.

This is crucial as approximately 90% of US residents are reportedly relying on public drinking water systems, as per Phys.org.

Other than uranium, the researchers detected that the communities had the highest concentrations of arsenic, barium, chromium, and selenium on CWS.

The discovery reportedly highlights environmental justice and socio-economic concerns.

Health Risks

The mentioned concentrations found on CWS pose life-threatening risks since these chemical elements are considered dangerous, notably causing a myriad of health risks, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, physical problems, and even death.

Inhabitants of the affected communities may acquire these chemicals through potable drinking water, as the liquid travels through metal pipes and may absorb the hazardous compounds.

Even consumption of moderate amounts can be lethal.

Uranium

Uranium is the main contaminant and toxic compound stored in a nuclear reactor that caught fire and exploded at the Chernobyl power plant more than three decades ago.

The immediate explosion killed 31 people, and additional 28 others died in the succeeding weeks due to radiation from the uranium.

The BBC cited a report by the United Nations (UN) in 2005 that a further 4,000 people may eventually die due to the radiation exposure to the Chernobyl accident.

Although the uranium detected in Columbia University's study is confined in a different setting compared to the Chernobyl incident, drinking or inhaling the large concentrations of the said compound can cause lung cancer, bone cancer, and liver cancer, as well as damage to the kidney.

Other Chemical Elements

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), when humans eat or drink large substances of barium compounds dissolved in water or in the stomach, it can lead to alterations in heart rhythm or even paralysis.

Although barium is naturally found in food and drinking water, it does not mix well with water.

As a result, there are only a few amounts of the chemical compound in water, as per ATSDR.

Meanwhile, arsenic compounds are poisonous to humans.

This can be found not only in CWS but also in different industrial settings since it has been used in commercial manufacturing for agricultural, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

Previous studies have shown that a simple inhalation of the chromium compound can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer among humans.

On the other hand, chromium can lead to lung tumors among animals, as per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Lastly, selenium can lead to organ failure and death when a person extremely large amounts of high doses.

Other effects of the compound on humans include loss of hair, headache, rash, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and stomach discomfort.