AWWA JAW20701

The nephrotoxic responses of mammalian species, including humans, to injected, inhaled, ingested, and topically applied uranium compounds have been thoroughly investigated. Because there appear to be no unequivocal reports of uranium-induced radiation effects in humans, it is necessary to rely on experimental work with animals and on epidemiological investigations of human populations exposed to radium isotopes to infer human response to the alpha-particle emissions of uranium. Metabolic models have been developed to relate the intake of uranium in water and food to its uptake in the human skeleton and soft tissues, of which the kidney is the critical organ. A US Environmental Protection Agency committee has recommended a limit for uranium in drinking water of 100 micrograms/L, which includes a substantial safety factor, to limit effects on the kidney. Includes 57 references, tables, figures.