In Alabama, the discovery of radioactive elements in coal ash raises alarm over health risks, highlighting a nationwide issue of toxic waste management.
Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent draft risk assessment reveals cancer risks from coal ash are 35 times higher than previously thought, due to arsenic and radium exposure.
- Alabama faces challenges in tracking and regulating coal ash, often used in construction, raising concerns about unregulated toxic exposure.
- Community groups nationwide urge the EPA to investigate and regulate coal ash's use, especially in residential areas, to protect public health.
Key quote:
“They don’t care. They’re simply not protecting people.”
— Esther Calhoun, Community activist
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