Citation

Guseva Canu I, Laurent O, Pires N, Laurier D, Dublineau I. Environ. Health Perspect. 2011; 119(12): 1676-1680.

Affiliation

Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

DOI

10.1289/ehp.1003224

PMID

21810556

PMCID

PMC3261972

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiological pollution is a potentially important aspect of water quality. Yet, relatively few studies have been conducted to document its possible health effects. OBJECTIVE: In this paper we comment on the available epidemiological findings, but also on related data from experimental studies, concerning the health effects of naturally radioactive water ingestion. DISCUSSION: Despite modest epidemiological evidence of uranium nephrotoxicity and radium effects on bone, available data are not sufficient to quantify the health effects of naturally occurring radionuclides in water. Methodological limitations (exposure measurement methods, control for confounding, sample size) affect most studies. Power calculations should be conducted before launching new epidemiological studies focusing on late pathological outcomes. Studies based on biomarkers of exposure and adverse effects may be helpful but should involve more specific molecules than biomarkers used in previous studies. Experimental data on ingestion of drinking-water are limited to uranium studies, and there is some disagreement between these studies about the nephrotoxicity threshold. CONCLUSION: Further experimental and enhanced epidemiological studies should help to reduce uncertainties, from dose estimation to dose-response characterisation.

Language: en