Florida shouldn’t dismiss road projects too quickly
I am not a toxicologist, but I am familiar with monitoring radon daughters (alpha particles that result from the decay of radon gas, also a decay product of radium-226) occurring in underground copper and uranium mines in Arizona.
I was lucky to have passed my toxicology course at the University of Arizona. During that course, I presented an assignment on the health effects of radiation that garnered the immediate appreciation of the professor. Your editorial is correct to say that “scientists generally have a good handle on how much is OK and how much is too much.” Still, there is no zero threshold for radiation effects. Any exposure to radiation has an effect on the human body.
While roadbuilding is feasible and a cost-effective alternative method for stabilizing radium-226, it is, in my opinion, not a final solution. “Remediation,” a term used by the EPA, must also be considered. I’m all for containing massive piles of waste in place, filtering pond water to remove radon and radium-226, and covering ponds to prevent ongoing water accumulation.
The release of contaminated water working its way into our groundwater, and surface water and emptying into Tampa Bay cannot continue. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection must perform its due diligence and hold the prior owners and heirs of profits of these mines responsible for all clean-up costs.
Rick Jackson