Why spend money reducing levels of something that occurs naturally – like radium?
There is little question that radium does cause biological damage, and most experts agree that if not reduced, the levels of radium we have found could shorten the lives of some Wisconsin residents. It has been estimated that as much as 80% of all human cancer is due to environmental sources (including diet and such activities as cigarette smoking). In many cases, the specific causes cannot be identified due to the complex patterns of exposure and our inability to measure them. In the case of radium in drinking water, however, the exposure levels are known, our best science has identified a specific risk, and methods exist to deal with the problem. The State of Wisconsin is committed to working with each affected community to permanently reduce radium levels delivered to consumers, in the shortest reasonable time. For clarification of this material or help with individual problems, contact the DNR statewide office in your area.
