Plutonium levels near US atomic site in Los Alamos similar to Chornobyl
A study found plutonium contamination near Los Alamos, New Mexico, comparable to Chornobyl. Despite low immediate danger, public health advocates seek warnings, while the Department of Energy claims safety.
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A recent study has revealed alarming levels of plutonium contamination in soil, plants, and water near Los Alamos, New Mexico, comparable to those found at the Chornobyl disaster site. The research, led by Northern Arizona University scientist Michael Ketterer, indicates that the plutonium concentrations in Acid Canyon are among the highest observed in publicly accessible areas in the U.S. Despite the contamination, the federal government has dismissed calls for action. The area, once a dumping ground for radioactive waste during the development of the atomic bomb, has been transformed into recreational spaces without restrictions. Although Ketterer noted that the immediate danger to trail users is low, he expressed concern about the potential for plutonium to contaminate water supplies and enter the food chain. Public health advocates are demanding warning signs for visitors, while the Department of Energy maintains that the contamination levels are within safe exposure limits. The findings align with previous mapping efforts by Nuclear Watch New Mexico, highlighting the long-term environmental risks associated with plutonium, which has a half-life of 24,000 years.
- Plutonium levels near Los Alamos are comparable to those at Chornobyl.
- The area was previously a radioactive waste dumping site, now developed into recreational spaces.
- Immediate danger to users of contaminated trails is considered low, but environmental risks remain.
- Public health advocates are calling for warning signs for visitors.
- The Department of Energy claims contamination levels are within safe exposure limits.
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1 commentsIf you've never paid attention to how abysmally the US has handled its nuclear waste management for the weapons programs, check out Rocky Flats and the like. Any time "whoops we lost track of like, 4 pounds of plutonium" isn't seen as an all out scramble you know you're dealing with the US nuclear weapons program.
The road ahead is going to be long and painful: https://www.kunm.org/public-health-new-mexico/2016-09-06/lan...
Anyone curious about such things in the context of history should check out the work of Martin Pfeiffer: https://deusexatomica.wordpress.com/
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