Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill into law that has raised concerns among environmentalists and health experts. The bill explores the use of phosphogypsum, a known carcinogen, in road construction. While the measure aims to determine if phosphogypsum can be added to the list of recyclable materials for road construction, critics argue that it poses significant health and environmental risks.
Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of phosphate mining for the fertilizer industry. It is classified as a radioactive material by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contains small amounts of uranium and radium. Due to its radioactive nature, it must be stored in a gypstack system to prevent exposure to people and the environment. The material emits radon gas, which is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for 21,000 deaths annually.
Although the new bill does not immediately approve the use of phosphogypsum in Florida roads, it authorizes a study to determine its feasibility. This decision has sparked controversy among environmentalists who question the state’s ability to manage such a project. Ragan Whitlock, a staff attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed doubts about Florida’s capacity to assess the health and safety implications of using phosphogypsum. He argued that the Florida Department of Transportation is not equipped to make informed decisions regarding the well-being of Floridians and the environment.
Elise Bennett, director for Florida and the Caribbean at the Center for Biological Diversity, voiced concerns about the potential long-term consequences of using phosphogypsum in road construction. She believes that Florida’s lawmakers are paving the way for a toxic legacy that future generations will have to grapple with.
The state plans to complete the feasibility study by April 1, 2024. As part of this study, Florida may consider prior or ongoing research on phosphogypsum’s suitability for road construction. However, it is important to note that regardless of the state’s findings, the EPA’s regulations remain unaffected. Any request to use phosphogypsum will have to be approved by the agency.
While the bill’s impact on EPA regulations is limited, Governor DeSantis’ potential influence over the organization raises concerns. If his bid for the presidency is successful, he may have more sway over the EPA’s decision-making processes. This possibility further underscores the importance of carefully considering the potential risks associated with using phosphogypsum in road construction.
In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of the bill exploring the use of phosphogypsum in Florida roads has sparked controversy and raised concerns among environmentalists and health experts. Phosphogypsum is a known carcinogen and poses significant health and environmental risks due to its radioactive nature. While the bill authorizes a feasibility study, critics argue that the state may not have the expertise to properly assess the health and safety implications. The EPA’s regulations remain unaffected by the bill, and any request to use phosphogypsum will have to go through the agency’s approval process. However, Governor DeSantis’ potential influence over the EPA in the future adds another layer of concern. It is crucial to prioritize public health and environmental safety when considering the use of potentially hazardous materials in road construction.
