""During this meeting, Navy officials confirmed that dust-control measures, and air and dust monitoring are ongoing," Philip told SFGATE. "The Navy has also stated that they are reviewing their dust control methods to ensure they are fully protective of public health. Based on the information currently provided by the Navy, no immediate action is required from a public health safety standpoint.""
"Philip said the San Francisco Department of Public Health will "closely monitor" the situation and has requested the U.S. Navy send all data related to this incident to the department."
"Pu-239 has a half-life of over 24,000 years and can stay in the body for decades even if ingested or inhaled in small amounts, potentially increasing the risk of developing cancer."
In 2024 airborne Pu-239 was detected at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, with plutonium found on an air filter in November 2024 and city health officials not alerted until the following month. San Francisco public health officer Dr. Susan Philip met with Navy officials, who confirmed ongoing dust-control measures and air and dust monitoring and said they are reviewing dust-control methods. The San Francisco Department of Public Health requested all incident data and will closely monitor the situation while seeking independent verification from regulatory and environmental health experts. Pu-239's long half-life and potential cancer risk raise concern given the shipyard's history of radiological work and recent residential redevelopment.
Read at SFGATE
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