Utah and the Ute Mountain Ute tribe are sponsoring a urine test at the White Mesa community center amid concerns that the nearby uranium mill threatens public health.

On Oct. 17, White Mesa residents may provide a urine sample, which will be tested for harmful chemicals and metal hazards, including arsenic, cadmium, manganese, mercury, uranium, plasticizers, herbicides, disinfectants and pesticides.

The data will be anonymous and will be used to make local and state decisions to improve public health.

Participants will get a free and confidential report about the levels of the tested chemicals in their body and information about the impact on their health. The samples will help scientists understand exposure levels in Utah.

For more information, contact Scott Clow at sclow@utemountain.org or Carrie Butler at 801-347-6739 or cbutler@utah.gov.

Jim Mimiaga