Working with the phosphate factor
Naturally occurring radionuclides and their decay products are found throughout the environment. However, some geological strata, such as granitic and marine phosphoric deposits, contain significantly elevated concentrations of uranium, thorium, and their decay products, including radon. The phosphate deposits of Florida contain concentrations of these elements at levels about 30 to 60 times greater than those found in average soil and rock. Since Florida supplies approximately one-third of the world's phosphate, used in agricultural fertilizers, the state is concerned about the radon gas and radon progeny, or daughters, inevitably associated with the uranium disturbed through phosphate mining. This concern has been demonstrated by extensive studies of phosphate mineralized formations, mined areas, and reclaimed lands; by a statewide radon survey; and by legislation to protect public health.
- Research Organization:
- Florida Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Tallahassee
- OSTI ID:
- 6480639
- Journal Information:
- Environment; (United States), Vol. 29:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PHOSPHATES
MINING
RADON
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
THORIUM
URANIUM
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
FERTILIZERS
FLORIDA
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
LAND RECLAMATION
MINERALIZATION
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
PHOSPHATE ROCKS
ACTINIDES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION IV
FLUIDS
GASES
ISOTOPES
METALS
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
RADIOACTIVITY
RARE GASES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
USA
510300* - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)