Earlier this summer, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that paves the way for radioactive chemicals to be used in road construction in communities throughout Florida. The bill allows the use of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphate mining which has long been deemed hazardous, in roadway construction. Phosphogypsum contains radium 226, a radioactive substance that creates radon, a cancer-causing gas, as it decays.
There is still a chance to prevent this environmental and public health disaster from taking root in Florida. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must approve any plans to implement phosphogypsum in Florida road construction. Urge the EPA to protect public health and the environment by rejecting the use of phosphogypsum in Florida roads. Feel free to personalize your letter for greater impact.