The latest study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, shows that some barrels also contained radioactive isotopes such as tritium and carbon-14, which were once widely used in hospitals, laboratories and industrial operations in the region.

More about the study

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Santa Barbara, involved combing through hundreds of pages of old records, finding evidence that the same company was responsible for dumping the dangerous DDT pesticide into the area. California Recoveryit also buried radioactive waste.

It is unknown whether this is allowed by law, as the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission claims that the company’s permit to dispose of radioactive waste was never activated. But there appears to be little accountability for how waste is and can be disposed of. 100 kilometers from the coast.

The researchers also analyzed surrounding sediments and water to assess the extent of contamination. They discovered that the barrels contained radioactive isotopes that could pose a health risk to marine life and humans, especially if they leaked or ruptured. They also found high concentrations of DDT, which is known to cause cancer and reproductive problems in animals and humans.

The discovery of radioactive waste adds to the dark legacy of marine pollution in the United States. More than 56,000 barrels of radioactive waste were dumped on the U.S. Pacific coast between 1946 and 1970, according to an Atomic Energy Commission map cited by researchers. Researchers say this These barrels are almost impossible to removeand that the best option is to monitor them and prevent further resets.