Re: magnesium-zirconium-thorium alloys

["Susan L. Gawarecki" <loc@icx.net>]

Several years ago my husband (an environmental consultant with
radchemistry training) managed a removal action at the Metcoa Superfund
site (in NJ, I think).  The contaminant of concern was thorium,
apparently from the recycling of aircraft components.

I've often wondered how many Superfund sites have undiscovered
radioactive contamination because EPA (or the state environmental
agency) doesn't screen or sample for it.  In my opinion, this is a
potential exposure problem for site workers.  For example, I have a
friend who worked as a field chemist at the Mare Island Naval Base
landfill site who later learned that there might have been radioactive
contamination in the landfill.

Does anyone have experience or thoughts on this matter?

Regards,
Susan Gawarecki
--
==================================================
Susan L. Gawarecki, Ph.D., Executive Director
Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee, Inc.
136 South Illinois Avenue, Suite 208
Oak Ridge, Tennessee  37830
Phone (423) 483-1333; Fax (423) 482-6572; E-mail loc@icx.net
VISIT OUR UPDATED WEB SITE:  http://www.local-oversight.org
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