CONCENTRATION OF URANIUM (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: A new study by scientists at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) finds that uranium concentrations up to 60 µg/l in drinking water are safe, challenging the recent national standard of 30 µg/l as potentially counterproductive.

Key Findings of Environmental Science and Pollution Research

• Research Findings: The WHO's standard of 30 µg/l for uranium in drinking water is a guideline, not a safety limit.
• Variation in National Standards
• Different Limits: Countries have varying safety limits for uranium in drinking water:

oFinland: 100 µg/l

oSlovakia: 350 µg/l

oSouth Africa: 70 µg/l

oCanada: 20 µg/l

oAustralia: 15 µg/l

oIndia: As per report titled Groundwater yearbook 2021-2022, 12 Indian states have uranium levels beyond permissible limits in their groundwater..

• Factors Influencing National Standards: National standards should consider geological, socio-economic, and population dynamics factors.
• Local Adaptation: Some countries set their own limits based on local conditions, acknowledging the need for specific standards.
• BIS vs. EPA: Unlike the EPA, the BIS did not conduct health impact studies before setting its limit of 30 µg/l. 
• The EPA’s analysis showed no significant health difference between limits of 20 µg/l, 30 µg/l, and 80 µg/l, leading to the establishment of 30 µg/l as a reasonable standard.

  Uranium

  • About: It is a naturally occurring element found in low levels within all rock, soil, and water.
  • Radioactivity: It is a weak radioactive substance due to its long physical half-life.
  • Significant Quantities: Uranium is the highest-numbered element found naturally in significant quantities on earth.
  • Nephrotoxicity: Uranium is nephrotoxic and can adversely affect health at very high concentrations.
  • Health Risks: People relying on groundwater with uranium are at increased risk of impaired renal function, kidney disease, and other health issues such as bone toxicity.