Florida Governor and potential presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has signed a bill allowing for the use of “radioactive” mining waste called phosphogypsum in road construction. This material, which is a byproduct of phosphate mining, contains small amounts of uranium and radium and has been linked to cancer. Unlike other recyclable materials currently used in road construction, phosphogypsum is not typically stored in landfills due to the potential health risks it poses. Instead, it is stored in gypstack systems to prevent contact with humans and the environment. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation conducts a study to assess the suitability of phosphogypsum by April 2024. Critics argue that this legislation is a dangerous and irresponsible move that prioritizes the interests of the fertilizer industry over public health. Phosphogypsum emits radon, a potentially cancer-causing gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA has banned the use of phosphogypsum in projects for decades due to its health risks but permits it for specific uses if certain conditions are met. Phosphate mining has long been a contentious issue in Florida, with recent incidents at the Piney Point facility leading to environmental disasters and legal action. Opposition groups have called on Governor DeSantis to veto the bill, expressing concerns about the state’s ability to manage the risks associated with phosphogypsum.
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