Saint Louis County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Laboratories

I am a Chemist with the Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory for St. Louis County Department of Public Health. We are under contract with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to analyze public drinking water supplies in Missouri for naturally occurring radionuclide contamination. We perform testing for private clients as well.

Radionuclides generally enter drinking water through the erosion or chemical weathering of naturally occurring mineral deposits. In addition, human activity such as mining, industrial activities, or military activities may also contribute to their presence in water.

Evidence suggests that long-term exposure to radionuclides in drinking water may cause cancer. In addition, exposure to uranium may have toxic effects on a person’s kidneys.

For more information, refer to EPA.gov

We utilize several EPA approved methods to detect the presence of Gross Alpha and Beta particles (EPA 900.0), Uranium ( ASTM D5174-97 ), Radium 226 ( EPA 903.1 ) and Radium 228 ( 904.0 ). We also maintain certifications for detection of Radioactive Iodine, Radioactive Sr-89 and Sr-90, and Tritium.