CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The state is launching a study of arsenic in drinking wells and is seeking volunteers who are willing to be tested.

Almost 20 percent of private wells in the southern part of the state show elevated levels of arsenic. The study will measure arsenic in the wells and test the urine of homeowners. The goal is to see if there’s a connection between arsenic in the body and the level of arsenic in that person’s drinking water.

“We’re looking for people who are homeowners, who rely on a private drilled well as their source of drinking water, who have not already had their water tested for arsenic and who don’t already have some sort of treatment system in place,” said John Driesig, a toxicologist with the Division of Public Health Services laboratories.

As part of the study, someone will come to the home, test the water, take urine samples from the participants and ask them to complete a questionnaire designed to identify other possible sources of exposure to arsenic.

“Because we cannot see, smell or taste high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, the only way to know if you have an elevated amount is to have it tested,” he said.

Driesig said he hopes to collect data from 200 to 250 participants by the end of the summer. About 120 people have volunteered thus far.

Long-term exposure to arsenic is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and other health problems. A U.S. Geological Survey in 2003 estimated 41,000 private wells may have arsenic levels that exceed federal standards, but found that only 14 percent had been tested.

The study will focus on wells in Goffstown, Temple, Sharon, Hampton Falls, Milton and Strafford. Volunteers from New Boston, Weare and Mont Vernon also will be considered. The study is being paid for by a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control.

Interested New Hampshire resident can contact Driesig at 603-271-4131 to volunteer.