Testing for Uranium and Arsenic Continues in Rural Fredericton, NB Capital Region

Registration for a provincial program to test for levels of carcinogenic agents in drinking water for the residents of Harvey Station, New Brunswick has been extended to August 31, 2008. Uranium, radon and arsenic levels are of most concern.

Stable and easy access to potable water is generally not a concern for citizens of developed countries, yet residents of a small capital region village in New Brunswick, Canada have lived under a cloud of worry for some months now. Adding insult to injury, the unacceptable levels of cancer-related elements in their water supply has remained unchanged for over 25 years. A provincially managed program to test for uranium, radon and arsenic was announced in May of this year with an initial application deadline (for free testing) of July 21st; this has now been extended to August 31st. Results of tests by the New Brunswick Conservation Council found over 20% of the samples showed unacceptable levels for uranium and an astounding 40% had high arsenic levels. As both radon and arsenic often occur naturally with uranium, the program also include testing for all these elements, which have been shown to be carcinogens and leading contributors to other serious health issues. Testing by the NBCC also showed that these levels were generally unchanged from similar testing in 1981, however those results were never made public. Dr. David Lentz, a geology professor at the University of New Brunswick, would like to have the testing expanded to include radium—a naturally occurring element in uranium decay. However the provincial health authority does not see the need as more than 50 wells were tested in 1983 and had acceptable levels at that time. Considering the results of testing in 1981 were not considered to be "harmful" enough to alert the public, one can only hope the Health Authority listens to professionals with some experience in these matters for this round of tests.