Los Alamos Rivals Chernobyl for Plutonium Contamination
Los Alamos, New Mexico, the birthplace of the American atomic bomb under the Manhattan Project led by Robert Oppenheimer, now has plutonium levels comparable to those found at the Chernobyl disaster site in Ukraine, researchers have revealed.
Extreme plutonium concentrations detected
A study conducted by researchers from Northern Arizona University has found “extreme concentrations” of plutonium in the soil, plants, and water of the Los Alamos area. The Guardian newspaper reported these alarming findings, highlighting the ongoing contamination in the region.
Despite years of redevelopment aimed at making the area safe, the land surrounding Los Alamos has been converted into a popular dirt trail frequented by bikers, hikers, and runners. The area, known as ‘Acid Canyon,’ was found to contain plutonium levels “among the highest” ever observed in a publicly accessible area in the United States, according to Northern Arizona University scientist Michael Ketterer.
“Shocking” discovery
“This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever stumbled across in my life,” said Ketterer, who led the study. He pointed out that the radioactive isotopes are “hiding in plain sight,” underscoring the hidden dangers in the seemingly benign recreational area.
While the US Department of Energy maintains that the plutonium levels are “very low and well within the safe exposure range,” Ketterer expressed concerns about the long-term environmental risks. He acknowledged that the immediate danger is low but warned of potential contamination pathways.
Environmental risks persist
Ketterer cautioned that plutonium could contaminate water supplies that eventually flow into the Rio Grande River. It could also enter the food chain through plants or be widely dispersed in the event of a wildfire.
Historical contamination and future concerns
Until 1963, the Los Alamos National Laboratory disposed of radioactive waste in a canyon that became so saturated with toxic waste that it earned the name ‘Acid Canyon,’ the report stated. The study comes at a critical time as the US Department of Defense plans to increase the production of plutonium pits, a core component of nuclear weapons, at Los Alamos.
Exclusion from defense bill raises eyebrows
Adding to the controversy, Los Alamos was excluded from a recent defense bill that expanded funds for individuals exposed to the government’s radioactive waste. This exclusion has sparked further debate about the safety and oversight of the historic site.
As researchers and officials continue to assess the situation, the legacy of Los Alamos as a nuclear site remains a complex and contentious issue, raising questions about safety, environmental impact, and historical accountability.
