Uranium

Uranium is a naturally occurring weakly radioactive element. It is found in very small amounts in nature in the form of minerals but may be processed into a silver-colored metal. Rocks, soil, surface and underground water, air, plants, and animals all contain varying amounts of uranium.

The Tracking Network includes biomonitoring data on the concentration of uranium in urine in NHANES participants aged 6 years and older. Levels of uranium in the urine reflect recent and long-term exposure.

Exposure and Risk

Because uranium is found everywhere, people are exposed from small amounts in the air, water, food, and soil. Naturally occurring uranium can contaminate nearby drinking water sources and raise the normal uranium levels in water.

People who work at factories that process uranium, work with phosphate fertilizers, or live near uranium mines may be exposed to more uranium than most other people. Uranium contamination may also occur from erosion of tailings from mines and mills for uranium and other metals.

Radiation risk from exposure to natural uranium is very low. Kidney problems can occur from long term exposure to large amounts of uranium.

Read about prevention tips to reduce your and your family's exposure to environmental chemicals.

More Information

• Chemical Information for Uranium (CDC)
• ToxFAQs^TM for Uranium (ATSDR)

In addition to biomonitoring data on uranium, the Tracking Network has information and data about uranium in drinking water.