ODH was looking for benzene, which, according to the National Toxicology Program, is a known leukemogen. The second test covered radiologic elements including gross alpha and beta, as well as radium-226 and 228. Ionizing radiation, which is released from radium when it decays, is a known cause of leukemia. Benzene is a naturally occurring organic compound used to make plastics, rubbers, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and a number of other products. It is a component of gasoline.
Cigarette smoke is a source of exposure to benzene.
Radium is a naturally occurring element distributed throughout the earth s crust in varying amounts. It has been used for a variety of luminescent products including watch dials and had a wide variety of industrial and medical uses. Results from the individual well tests will be mailed to the residents on March 18. Ohio EPA can use this data to identify areas which need further investigation. A summary of all the results was released on March 20.