New Chernobyl: The place where the US created the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is about to become an even bigger problem

The site where the US created atomic bombs is starting to become a problem and reaching levels similar to Chernobyl

A study reveals that plutonium contamination at Los Alamos, the site where the US created the atomic bombs, is reaching alarming levels, comparable to Chernobyl, and raises concerns about public health and government inaction. A new study from Northern Arizona University has identified extreme levels of plutonium in soil, plants and water near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The contamination, which reaches levels similar to those of Chernobyl, is being ignored by the federal government, even with scientists' warnings about the risks to public health.

A dangerous legacy: atomic bombs and plutonium

Los Alamos, famous for being the heart of the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bombs used in World War II, is now facing an environmental crisis of major proportions. According to the IGN portal, samples collected in July in the Acid Canyon area revealed frightening concentrations of plutonium, prompting chemist Michael Ketterer, the study's lead researcher, to say, "Radioactive isotopes are hiding in plain sight."

Ketterer, who has been studying plutonium contamination for more than 20 years, highlighted that the situation at Los Alamos is the most serious he has ever seen outside of controlled sites, surpassing even areas such as Rocky Flats, in Colorado, another plutonium production site. The biggest concern is that this contamination, which began during the 1940s and worsened until the 1960s, is still seriously impacting the environment and human health.

Alarming comparisons to Chernobyl

Ketterer's study suggests that the plutonium levels found at Los Alamos may be on par with those at Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, which occurred in Ukraine in 1986. The main difference is that while Chernobyl has been recognized as an exclusion zone and continues to be closely monitored, the Los Alamos area, incredibly, is used as a recreational trail.

Ketterer stressed that, although he is not a toxicologist, he is concerned that contact with plutonium could be dangerous for people and animals who frequent the site.I don't think people are drinking the water, but animals might be. It's crucial that the public is informed about the risks.“, said the researcher.

Government inaction

Even with the growing evidence, the US government has been hesitant to act. The Department of Energy issued a statement downplaying the risks, saying plutonium levels are “within the safe exposure range.”. However, Ketterer and other public health advocates vehemently disagree.

Despite previous government efforts to mitigate the contamination, which cost an estimated $2 billion in the 70s and 80s, the current reality shows that the problem has not been completely solved. The area, now popular with cyclists and hikers, remains exposed to radioactive fallout.

Increasing plutonium production

Another point of great concern is that, while scientists are trying to draw attention to the risks at Los Alamos, the US Department of Defense has announced plans to increase production of plutonium pits, an essential element for the manufacture of new nuclear weapons. The Senate also approved a bill that would expand benefits for people exposed to radioactive waste, but the Los Alamos region was left out of that protection, sparking outrage among residents.

What can we expect from now on in the place where the US created the atomic bombs?

Ketterer's study has reignited debate over the dangers of nuclear contamination on American soil. With plutonium levels comparable to those at Chernobyl, scientists and public health advocates are pushing for the government to take stronger measures to protect the population. However, so far, there are no signs that this will happen any time soon.

This situation raises a crucial question: how much longer Los Alamos, the birthplace of atomic bombs, will it remain an ignored problem? If comparisons with Chernobyl continue to hold true, it may only be a matter of time before the area becomes the new symbol of environmental and public health neglect in the United States.

What do you think about this alarming situation at Los Alamos? Comment below and share your thoughts on plutonium levels reaching Chernobyl-like levels. Do you believe the U.S. government should act more urgently to protect the population and the environment?