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The use of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of fertilizer manufacturing, is a cause for concern among experts due to the release of radon gas. The project, approved by the EPA, raises debate about safety and environmental impacts.
Radioactive asphalt? A road built with radioactive waste in the US state of Florida has sparked controversy and raised public health concerns. The material used, called phosphogypsum, is a byproduct of phosphoric acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Despite being covered with a 10 cm layer of asphalt, experts point to potential risks to human health due to the release of radon gas, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. The issue gained prominence after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a pilot project using this material. But is this innovation really safe? Let's understand the details.
What is phosphogypsum?
Phosphogypsum is a waste product generated during the production of phosphoric acid, an essential component in the manufacture of fertilizers. The material contains traces of radium, a chemical element that decomposes and releases radon gas. This highly radioactive gas is known to pose health risks, especially when inhaled indoors.
Phosphogypsum is typically stored in large piles designed to minimize human exposure. However, the EPA-approved pilot project proposes a different application: using it in road construction, encapsulated by a layer of asphalt.
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The Florida Test Road
The pilot project, approved by the EPA, involves building a two-lane road on private property in Florida. The road will have four sections containing phosphogypsum and four others made of conventional materials. Each section with phosphogypsum will be 152 feet long, while the sections without the material will be 91,4 feet long.
The EPA says the phosphogypsum will be encapsulated under a four-inch layer of asphalt, which would theoretically prevent direct contact with the radioactive material. Additionally, the project will be conducted in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of exposure to the public.
Why use phosphogypsum?
The idea of using phosphogypsum in road construction emerges as an attempt to find a practical application for the material, which is usually discarded in gigantic piles. In addition to freeing up storage space, this approach seeks to use phosphogypsum as a resource rather than treating it simply as waste.
However, this proposal is divisive. While some experts believe that encapsulating the material under asphalt is safe, others warn of long-term risks, including the gradual release of radon into the atmosphere.
Health risks and radioactive asphalt
Despite EPA assurances, the use of radioactive waste in road construction raises significant concerns. Radon gas, released during the decay of radium in phosphogypsum, is highly hazardous to human health. Long-term exposure to radon is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, even at low concentrations.
While the EPA downplays the risks, arguing that asphalt acts as an effective barrier, critics point out that cracks or wear over time could compromise the safety of the encapsulation.
US Political and Historical Context
The idea of using phosphogypsum in road construction is not new. In 2020, during the Donald Trump administration, the EPA approved the use of the material in infrastructure projects. However, that approval was revoked by the Trump administration. Joe Biden, which raised concerns about safety and associated environmental risks.
The Florida pilot project represents a renewed effort to explore the potential of phosphogypsum. However, it has faced resistance from environmentalists and public health experts who question the need to take risks with such a controversial material.
Benefits and concerns of US authorities
Benefits
- Waste utilization: The use of phosphogypsum reduces the need to create huge waste piles, freeing up space and minimizing storage costs;
- Reduced cost: Incorporating the material into infrastructure can reduce road construction costs;
- Sustainable proposal: The project explores ways to transform waste into useful resources.
Concerns
- Health risks: Even under asphalt, the material can still release radiation over time;
- Environmental impact: Exposure to phosphogypsum can affect nearby air and soil quality;
- Future damages: Cracks or failures in the encapsulation can release radioactive material, exposing humans and animals to risks.
The Future of Phosphogypsum in US Construction
The debate over the use of radioactive asphalt in road construction is far from over. As the pilot project progresses, it is essential to monitor the results to determine the viability of such a large-scale application. Future studies will need to assess the long-term impacts to ensure that the economic and environmental benefits are not outweighed by the health risks in the U.S.
The Florida road case is a reminder that innovative solutions should always be evaluated with caution, especially when they involve materials with the potential for significant impact. The safety of the public and the environment must be the priority in any infrastructure initiative.
