Investigative journalist Justin Nobel unveils the shocking revelations in his new book, “Petroleum-238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It,” exposing the oil and gas industry’s sinister practices of poisoning workers and communities with radioactive waste.
Despite the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) passing in 1976 to regulate hazardous waste management, the oil and gas industry secured a significant exemption, allowing them to classify their highly radioactive waste as nonhazardous under the law. Nobel’s research over seven years reveals a dark history of toxicity concealed by the industry, endangering the health of countless individuals.
The industry’s unregulated disposal of toxic waste, containing harmful contaminants like radium, lead, and arsenic, poses a severe threat to the environment and public health. From injecting waste deep underground to dumping in streams, the oil and gas industry’s reckless practices have left a toxic legacy of devastation.
Moreover, Nobel uncovers the industry’s neglect of worker safety, exposing workers to radioactive sludge without protective gear or training, resulting in severe health issues and even death. The industry preys on vulnerable workers, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and harm.
Amidst these alarming revelations, a growing grassroots movement is emerging to challenge the oil and gas industry and demand accountability. By shedding light on these injustices, Nobel and advocates aim to protect communities from the industry’s hazardous practices.
As the fight against fossil fuels intensifies, the call for action resonates across political lines, uniting individuals in a shared mission to safeguard public health and the environment. Through collective efforts and advocacy, we can confront the industry’s destructive practices and pave the way for a sustainable future.
