Sun, Sea, Radiation and Concrete Beach

Surveys around the area of Dalgety Bay, Fife, in Scotland have recently discovered that radiation is present in the form of radioactive radium particles, ranging from the size of a grain of sand to a small stone.

SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has commented that these small particles could cause children to be at risk of a potentially significant dose of radiation, but for adults the risks are believed to be minimal.

However, all users of the beach are being warned to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting and also not to take items away from the area.

The news comes as 39 of the particles, that were left over from burnt out waste from wartime aircraft that contained the potentially radioactive compounds used to make the planes’ dials highly visible during night hours, were tested and found to contain a significant radiation problem to the younger generation.

Worried about the devastation this news could have on the area, the Chairman of Dalgety Bay and Hillend Community Council is eager to dim the fears of the area and would rather it was not classed as radioactive, but the Defence Estates have decided upon a meeting to discuss the fate of the town.

They are coming together to choose whether or not the beach should be concreted over to avoid any further problems and also to ensure that adequate signage is put in place to make the public aware of the potential problems.