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25 <br /> Arsenic-Orange County <br /> 0.001 or more <br /> 14% <br /> N-100 40 <br /> <.001 <br /> 86 <br /> Figure 12, 133-3: Presence of Arsenic in Orange County <br /> Several studies have shown that long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can increase <br /> the risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and <br /> prostate cancer. Long-term exposure is defined as the consumption of two liters of <br /> water each day over a period of 70 years.6 <br /> Other common groundwater contaminants: <br /> Iron occurs naturally in groundwater and is the most common source of nuisance <br /> problems with well water in Orange County. While not considered a health risk, levels of <br /> iron above 0.3 mg/I can cause the water to have a red or brown muddy appearance and <br /> can stain white plumbing fixtures and clothes. Of 1,208 recent well water samples <br /> collected by the Health Department, 47% of the samples had iron levels exceeding the <br /> recommended EPA limit for drinking water of 0.3 mg/I.' <br /> Manganese is an element that dissolves in water from the natural rock formations. <br /> Manganese levels above 0.05 mg/I can turn well water black or brown and stains <br /> plumbing fixtures and clothes. Of 1,208 recently sampled wells, 27% were in excess of <br /> the recommended level for manganese.$ <br /> PH is a measure of how basic or acidic water is. With a pH below 6.5, the water is <br /> considered acidic and there could be concerns about corrosion of plumbing components <br /> resulting in lead leaching into the water from soldered joints. Water with a low pH can <br /> also react with copper pipes to cause blue-green stains and a metallic taste. <br /> Approximately 14% of the wells tested in Orange County have a pH below the <br /> recommended limit while less than 4% have elevated copper or lead levels.9 <br /> Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in most of NC's groundwater, <br /> especially in the Piedmont area where granite is common. Direct exposure of radon in <br /> water is of little concern for health effects, however once aerosolized in the air, it can <br /> contribute to an increase risk for lung cancer. Remedies include proper ventilation of <br /> bathrooms and kitchen areas where water may aerosolize. <br /> The recommended drinking water limit for radon is: <br /> o 300 PicoCuries per Liter (pCi/L) for states that have no EPA approved radon in <br /> indoor air program, <br /> 6 Ibid <br /> Orange County Health Department.Sampling results and records. <br /> 6 Ibid <br /> s Ibid <br />