Your Body Almanac

New Hampshire

Granite bedrock, tick-filled woods, and long, dark winters.

New Hampshire's granite bedrock is beautiful and also the source of two invisible exposures: radon in the air of homes and arsenic in many private wells. The state is a Lyme disease hot spot, and its northern winters leave little sun for making vitamin D.

01

Arsenic in private bedrock wells

Arsenic occurs naturally in New Hampshire's bedrock. A USGS study found that about one in five private bedrock wells in southeastern New Hampshire had arsenic above the federal drinking water limit. You can't taste or smell it, and long-term exposure is linked to cancer and other illness. Private wells are the owner's responsibility to test.

SourcesArsenic Concentrations in Private Bedrock Wells in Southeastern New Hampshire (USGS)Arsenic and Drinking Water (USGS)Private Drinking Water Wells (EPA)
Test your private well every yearYearlyIf your water comes from a private well, have it tested by a certified lab at least once a year.
02

Ticks and Lyme disease

New Hampshire is one of the states CDC classifies as high-incidence for Lyme disease, which spreads through blacklegged tick bites. Untreated, it can cause joint, heart and nerve problems. Daily tick checks after time outdoors, and prompt removal, lower the risk.

SourcesAbout Lyme Disease (CDC)Surveillance for Lyme Disease After Implementation of a Revised Case Definition — United States, 2022 (CDC MMWR)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.
03

Radon in homes

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas from uranium in rock and soil, and it is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don't smoke. EPA's map rates every New Hampshire county as moderate or high potential, with Carroll County in the highest zone. Levels vary house to house, so test yours.

SourcesNew Hampshire — EPA Map of Radon Zones (EPA)Health risk of radon (EPA)
Test your home for radonAs neededRadon is invisible and odorless, so a simple test is the only way to know your level. Fix it at 4 pCi/L or higher.
04

Little winter sun for vitamin D

Your skin makes vitamin D from the sun's UVB rays. A classic study found that winter sunlight in Boston, at 42 degrees north, made no vitamin D in skin from November through February. All of New Hampshire lies north of that, so through the winter your vitamin D has to come from food or, if your doctor advises it, a supplement.

SourcesVitamin D — Health Professional Fact Sheet (NIH ODS)Influence of season and latitude on the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3 (Webb et al., 1988, PubMed)
Get vitamin D from foodDailyEat fatty fish, fortified milk and UV-exposed mushrooms so you are not relying on the sun alone. Ask your doctor about vitamin DYearlyIf you get little sun or few vitamin D foods, ask at your checkup whether testing or a supplement makes sense for you.
05

Hard cold

Long winters with deep cold and wind raise the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially during outdoor work, winter sports or a car breakdown. Wind chill makes exposed skin freeze faster than the air temperature suggests.

SourcesCold Weather Safety (National Weather Service)Winter Weather (CDC)
Dress in layers for the coldAs neededWear several loose layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof insulated boots, and carry spares.

When to see a professional

See a doctor for an expanding rash, fever, facial droop or joint swelling after a tick bite. If your well tests high for arsenic, ask your doctor whether past exposure matters for you.