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         Scattered drinking water sources on the Keweenaw Peninsula east of the Keweenaw Fault have been found to contain uranium and/or gross apha in amounts that exceed the proposed federal Maximum Contaminant Levels.  The source of the uranium may be the shale deposits that run inconsistently through the sandstone formation.  The supplies with known radioactivity are north of Jacobsville in Houghton and KeweenawCounties.  There is no direct data on other water supplies located elsewhere in the same bedrock formation, but it is possible that they could also be affected. Over time we will gain a clearer picture of the extent of the problem and the health consequences, if any.  In the meantime, we caution people in the suspect area that the possibility of uranium contamination exists and advise that their water be tested for uranium by a certified lab.  The Michigan Department of Community Health Lab in Lansing is certified to test for uranium. Bottles for testing can be obtained at the Community Health Lab in Houghton on the Michigan Tech campus (1410 Cliff Drive). Ask for a 36ME bottle at the lab and explain that you want to test your water for uranium.  Testing cost is $16.  The Health Effects of uranium exposure in the amounts that we have seen are mainly limited to kidney damage with long-time use.  There is also a very small possibility of an increased risk of cancer over a lifetime of exposure.

         The area of between McLainState Park and Five Mile Point along Lake Superior has produced high Fluoride levels in some private wells.  This has prompted the health department to encourage testing of existing and new private wells in this area for Fluoride.  Elevated levels of Fluoride may cause dental fluorosis, a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth in young children. Dental fluorosis occurs only when developing teeth (before they erupt from the gums) are exposed to elevated fluoride levels.  Exposure to drinking water levels above 4.0 mg/L for many years may result in some cases of crippling skeletal fluorosis, a serious bone disorder.  Testing for Fluoride can be accomplished by using a partial chemistry test from the Michigan Department of Community Health Lab in Houghton on the Michigan Tech Campus for $14.  Partial Chemistry bottles are also available at the health department.

Map of Uranium and Floride Area