Targeted Arsenic and Uranium Public Health Study

We come in contact with chemicals every day. They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the objects that surround us. The question is—How much of those chemicals is actually getting inside our bodies? Are those chemicals causing disease or are they not harmful to us?

About This Study

New Hampshire is “The Granite State” which means we have bedrock that naturally contains arsenic and uranium. The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) estimates that 46% of NH residents use private wells as their primary source of water for their home and that less than half of private well owners regularly test their well water. This study was conducted to look at how much arsenic and uranium is found in private wells in NH and whether these two chemicals are getting into the body.

This is a targeted public health study that was specific to areas of higher exposure to arsenic and uranium. Based on a 2012 USGS report, NH towns with an increased probability of having arsenic above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb (parts per billion) in the groundwater were selected to recruit participants. (Please note that NH legislators are currently considering lowering the MCL to 5 ppb for arsenic in drinking water. The MCL is a standard for public water only.) A small comparison population on municipal (or “public”) water from Concord was also involved. Invitation postcards and letters were mailed to several hundred randomly selected households in each town. Enrollment was open to all qualified residents. Qualified people were 5 years or older, lived in a selected town, and used a private well for their home (except for the comparison population).

Participants spent about two hours over the course of a couple of days to 1) attend a meeting to answer survey questions and get their collection kit 2) keep a basic food log and 3) collect a urine sample and two water samples from their home. The survey included questions about their demographics, occupational history, recreational activities, food and beverage consumption, and health. In return, participants received free arsenic and uranium testing of their urine and free water quality testing. All testing was performed by the State of New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL).

Study Status

The NH Targeted Arsenic and Uranium Public Health Study is complete. Results have been reported to participants and a Summary Report of initial findings of this study is available.