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Phosphogypsum

All articles tagged with #phosphogypsum

environment2 years ago

"Florida Governor Approves Use of Radioactive Material for Road Construction"

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law allowing researchers to study road construction using phosphogypsum, a controversial material that contains small amounts of uranium and radium. The waste product, described as a radioactive material by the EPA, poses potential health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. The Florida Department of Transportation will conduct a study to assess the effects of phosphogypsum on workers, adjacent property owners, and the environment. The deadline for completing the study and making a recommendation is April 1, 2023. The EPA would need to approve any future requests for construction using phosphogypsum.

via WESH 2 Orlando|
#cancer-risk#environment#florida-department-of-transportation
health2 years ago

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.

via CBS News|
#cancer#florida#health
environment2 years ago

Florida considers using radioactive material for road construction.

Florida lawmakers have sent a bill to Governor Ron DeSantis that would allow the use of phosphogypsum, a radioactive waste material from the fertilizer industry, in road construction. Conservation groups are urging DeSantis to veto the bill, citing concerns about water quality and increased cancer risk for road construction crews. Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the production of phosphoric acid for fertilizer, and Florida is the world's largest producer of phosphate. The EPA prohibits the use of phosphogypsum in road construction, but the bill claims it can be used in accordance with EPA approval.

via NPR|
#environment#florida#phosphogypsum