Irradiation Blues

A food irradiator intended to kill insects, especially fruit flies, is being considered for construction at the Honolulu International Airport. With serious public safety and environmental issues surrounding the facility, the law organization Earthjustice is contesting the proposal on behalf of Concerned Citizens of Honolulu.

Location, location, location

The airport location of the irradiator is a primary cause for concern. According to an Earthjustice statement, “The proposed site of the irradiator is less than 8 feet above sea level, in a designated tsunami evacuation zone, and in the middle of urban Honolulu at one of the busiest airports in the Pacific. The irradiator would also be close to Hickam Air Force Base and Pearl Harbor, and would house up to a million curies of cobalt-60 -- a material that could be used by terrorists in the construction of ‘dirty bombs’." In describing the project’s application, Earthjustice attorney David Henkin says “I’ve never seen a flimsier environmental review than this one,” and he is urging a comprehensive environmental impact statement from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NCR).

Food safety

In addition to the safety issues of the facility, there are significant concerns about the potential health risks of consuming irradiated food. Dr. William Au, a professor with the University of Texas Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, maintains that irradiation introduces radiolytic chemicals into foods, and that these can build to toxic levels, increasing the risk of colon cancer. Au believes that the FDA does not have a valid testing procedure regarding the safety of irradiated food.

Economic considerations

There are commercial considerations related to controlling fruit flies and other insects in the shipping of fresh fruit and flowers from Oahu. However, an NCR evaluation regards them “small economic impacts.” David Henkin believes that tourism and the image of Hawaii as a safe, healthy state are far greater economic concerns.

What you can do:

• Earthjustice is committed to the need for a comprehensive environmental impact statement on the Honolulu Airport irradiator project. Get involved by contacting them at 599-2436 or contact Concerned Citizens of Honolulu at 384-2444.
• Protect yourself from irradiated food, while supporting an Earth-friendly economy, by shopping for locally-grown produce and for certified organic fruits and vegetables (available at Down to Earth).

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