A recent study found dangerously high levels of plutonium in soil, plants and water near Los Alamos, New Mexico, comparable to those at Chernobyl, raising concerns about environmental safety.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Plutonium levels in areas near Los Alamos are among the highest ever recorded in a public space in the U.S.
- Despite remediation efforts, toxic waste remains, threatening water supplies and the ecosystem.
- Advocates are pushing for government action and visitor warnings about the contamination.
Key quote:
“This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever stumbled across in my life.”
— Michael Ketterer, Northern Arizona University scientist and lead researcher on the project
Why this matters:
Plutonium contamination in a public recreational area poses long-term risks to public health and the environment. Without proper action, the toxic legacy of nuclear weapons production may continue to impact generations.
