Report States High Uranium In Delhi Groundwater – Expert Warns Of Severe Health Risks

Delhi has been in the news for quite sometime because of its hazardous levels of air pollution. But recently, the capital city yet again came under the radar – and this time, it was not for its polluted air, but because of its contaminated water. Recently, a study revealed that the groundwater of Delhi is contaminated with high levels of uranium. This has created concern over the health safety of Delhiites. Want to know more about the study? Then this article is for you.

Drinking contaminated water can harm your health in more ways than one. But what are the health hazards of consuming uranium-contaminated water? The editorial team of Only My Health reached out to Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, to get an insight into this. Read on.

Study Shows High Levels Of Uranium In Delhi Groundwater

A latest report has been published by the Central Ground Water Board. It has brought attention to the worrying levels of toxic chemicals in Delhi’s groundwater. As per the report, high levels of uranium were found in many states. About 13-15% of samples from Delhi showed presence of uranium levels which were above the safe limits.

Not just this, apart from uranium, it was observed that other contaminants like nitrate, fluoride, lead, high salinity and elevated dissolved solids were also found in many wells. The report stated that out of 83-86 tested locations in Delhi, about 24 samples (which is roughly 13.35-15.66%) crossed the permissible limit of 30 parts per billion (ppb) in terms of uranium. This places Delhi, just after Punjab and Haryana, in terms of uranium contamination.

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What Are The Diseases Caused By Uranium In Water?

Water, which is contaminated with toxic chemicals, can be hazardous for health. Our expert explains why.

Dr Pillai shares, “Uranium in water can harm the kidneys because it is a heavy metal, and long-term use can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure. It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and affect bone health by replacing calcium in the body. Drinking water with high uranium levels may slightly increase the risk of certain cancers, especially of the lungs and bones. In pregnant women, long-term exposure may affect fetal growth. Overall, uranium-contaminated water mainly causes kidney problems and may lead to other long-term health issues.”

Can Purifiers Filter Uranium From Water?

We are very well aware that water purifiers can keep our drinking water clean. But can it also filter out harmful chemicals? Let’s find out.

“Yes, purifiers and filters can remove uranium from water if they use the right technology. Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most effective method because it pushes water through a special membrane that blocks uranium particles. Ion exchange filters can also remove uranium by trapping the metal and releasing safer ions into the water,” explains Dr Pillai.

She adds, “Some activated alumina and special adsorbent filters are useful too. Normal carbon filters do not remove uranium. For best safety, using an RO system or a combination of RO and ion exchange is recommended, especially in areas where groundwater has high uranium levels.”

Tips To Protect Health From Water-borne Diseases

On this note, Dr Pillai shares tips to keep yourself safe from water-borne diseases:

• You can protect your health from water-borne diseases by drinking clean and safe water, either boiled or purified through a good filter.
• You should wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet to stop germs from spreading.
• You must store drinking water in clean, covered containers.
• Avoid touching the inside of bottles or lids.
• You should cook food with clean water and wash fruits and vegetables well.
• During rainy seasons, you must avoid street food made with unsafe water.
• You should also keep your surroundings clean.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent contamination of water sources.

Symptoms Of Uranium Sickness

If someone has already been exposed to uranium contaminated water, Dr Pillai shares that they should look out for the following signs to stay safe:

• Symptoms of uranium sickness mostly come from its effect on the kidneys because uranium is a toxic heavy metal.
• Early signs may include tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite, and nausea.
• Some people may feel stomach pain or notice changes in urination, such as urinating more or less than usual.
• In more serious cases, it can cause kidney pain, swelling in the legs, or high blood pressure.
• Long-term exposure may also cause bone pain and general body discomfort.

“These symptoms are usually seen only when uranium levels in water or the body are very high over a long period of time,” adds the expert.

On this note, Dr Pillar mentions that the safe level of uranium in drinking water is generally 30 micrograms per litre (µg/L), which is the limit followed by many health and water safety organisations.

“This level is considered safe because it reduces the risk of kidney damage, which is the main health problem caused by uranium. Some countries may allow slightly higher levels, but keeping uranium below 30 µg/L is widely recommended for long-term safety. If water has more than this amount, it should be treated using methods like reverse osmosis. Regular testing of groundwater is important in areas where uranium levels are known to be high,” concludes Dr Pillai.

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The Final Word

A latest report has been published by the Central Ground Water Board. It has brought attention to the worrying levels of toxic chemicals in Delhi’s groundwater. Consuming uranium-contaminated drinking water can harm the kidneys because it is a heavy metal. Its long-term use can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure. There are multiple other health risks that can be caused by water contaminated with uranium.