Radioactive Coal

China's October and November atmospheric tests of nuclear bombs have increased the interest in measuring radioactivity levels in interior Alaska and elsewhere. This led to measurements of radon gas in the air over the University campus at Fairbanks. Radon is a radioactive decay product of radium which is found in association with uranium, thorium and other naturally occurring radioactive materials.

When the wind blows the University's heating plant gases over the campus, the measured radon level goes up. The explanation is that the Healy coal burned in the heating plant is relatively rich in uranium and thorium minerals. Seems like no matter what you eat, drink or breathe, someone can find a reason why it is not good for you. But take heart, even with the radioactive Healy coal, EPA says our radioactivity levels here are lower than many places in the lesser states.