Florida Governor DeSantis Approves Use of Radioactive Waste in State Roads

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill allowing roads in the state to be made with phosphogypsum, a radioactive mining waste linked to cancer. Phosphogypsum contains small amounts of uranium and radium, and emits radon gas, which is a potentially cancer-causing substance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires phosphogypsum to be stored in engineered stacks to prevent contact with people and the environment. The bill mandates a study by the state's Department of Transportation to evaluate the suitability of using phosphogypsum in road construction. Critics argue that the bill is a reckless move that could lead to the dumping of dangerous radioactive waste in roadways across the state.