Florida’s Controversial Move: Radioactive Particles in Asphalt for Roads
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has approved using phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining, as a component in road construction materials. This controversial decision has ignited debate over potential health and environmental risk
Phosphogypsum: A Risky Road Material
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.
The New Law and Its Implications
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.