| Coal Ash All Radioactive | 4 September 15 |
High concentrations of radioactive contaminants have been found in coal ash produced in North America's three largest coal-producing regions -- the Illinois, Appalachian and Powder River basins. Until now, environmental protections focused on a variety of other contaminants commonly found in coal ash, and other forms of coal pollution. But a recent study by researchers at Duke University show that radioactivity levels are worryingly high. "Until now, metals and contaminants such as selenium and arsenic have been the major known contaminants in coal ash," Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment,explained in a press release. "This study raises the possibility we should also be looking for radioactive elements, such as radium isotopes and lead-210, and including them in our monitoring efforts."
View September 2, 2015 Climate Progress article |
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