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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhosphogypsum: A Risky Road Material<\/strong> The New Law and Its Implications<\/strong> Is It Safe<\/strong> Regulatory Framework<\/strong> Phosphogypsum contains appreciable quantities of uranium and its decay products, such as radium-226, which is of particular concern because it decays into radon gas, a carcinogen. Road construction workers would be at increased levels of risk to these radioactive substances, more than the general public, because of their exposure to asphalt when it is heated, paved, or, especially, milled back up and reclaimed later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why Is It Being Allowed<\/strong> Critics argue that economic pressures from the phosphate industry, a major force in Florida, have unduly influenced the policy shift. The state is home to approximately 25% of the world’s phosphate reserves, and the industry has long sought ways to reduce its waste storage burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the law still requires approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates phosphogypsum. The EPA has stated that “any request for a specific use of phosphogypsum in roads will need to be submitted to EPA, as EPA’s approval is legally required before the material can be used in road construction.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Concern and Debate<\/strong> While the immediate safety impacts appear limited based on current data, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. As roads incorporating phosphogypsum are constructed and used over time, ongoing monitoring and research will be crucial to assess any emerging health or environmental effects<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has approved using phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining, as a component in road construction materials. 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Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the phosphate industry, which is prominent in Florida. The state accounts for approximately 80 percent of the world’s phosphate production. For every ton of phosphoric acid produced, more than 5 tons of phosphogypsum waste is generated. This waste contains uranium and radium and forms radon, a cancer-causing radioactive gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new law, HB 1191, requires the Florida Transportation Department to conduct “demonstration projects using phosphogypsum in road construction aggregate material to determine its feasibility as a paving material.” Critics argue that this could lead to the dumped of radioactive waste on roadways, posing severe health and safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short-term exposure to asphalt fumes can cause immediate discomfort and health risks, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and emphysema, and increase the risk of certain types of cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has established guidelines for the use of recycled radioactive materials in asphalt, requiring that the levels of radioactivity meet certain safety standards. However, critics argue that these standards are not stringent enough and do not adequately protect public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Economic considerations primarily drive the decision to allow phosphogypsum in road construction. According to a report from Florida Polytechnic University, the material would be “cheaper and as effective, if not more, as current road base materials,” and its use in paving could “speed the degradation of waste and extend the life of a landfill.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision has sparked heated debate among residents, environmental groups, and health professionals. Many call for a ban on the practice, citing concerns about the potential long-term health risks and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n