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19 July 2008

Answer to Question #2842 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Environmental and Background Radiation — Geological Formation, Ores

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

A while ago I visited the Grand Canyon National Park when I was around 11 years old. As you probably know, there is a uranium mine on the south rim. My parents made the extremely unwise decision of walking under the mine and I believe we did walk by a cylindrical object. I don't believe we went in the actual mine hole or tower but I'm not sure. Should I be worried about birth defects, etc., or the usual problems associated with radiation from this mine? I have walked by it several times always behind the gate (I visit the Grand Canyon every few years) when I visit, but that one time I'm not really sure about. I think they had the whole thing surrounded by a gate but I think we might have made a wrong detour.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Your radiation exposure from walking by the mine is likely to have been too low to be measurable, much less a cause for concern. In fact, it is quite possible, although not certain, that you actually reduced your radiation exposure by leaving your home to visit the Grand Canyon. The bulk of your annual radiation exposure is probably due to the inhalation of radon decay products while at home.

Paul Frame, CHP, PhD

Answer posted on 11 August 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.