Cancer-Causing Radiation Detected at Popular Bay Area Art Park and Hiking Spot

Environmental testing at the Albany Bulb, a popular hiking and art destination in the Bay Area, has revealed elevated levels of a type of radiation that can cause cancer.

The city of Albany hired hazardous waste specialists to investigate radioactive contamination at the Bulb, a former municipal landfill that once accepted construction debris. State regulators ordered the investigation after a 1980 document suggested that the nearby Richmond chemical plant had dumped 11,000 tons of waste, possibly including alum mud, a radioactive byproduct of aluminum processing.

Investigators found during the summer elevated levels of gamma radiation in 10 locations on the city-owned portion of the peninsula. The report recommended additional soil sampling in three areas where the radioactive material, or possibly a radioactive object, may be buried.

The Bulb, which is now home to sculptures made from reclaimed materials, has long been a favorite for hikers, dog walkers, and artists. The safety of the site is in question after the discovery of gamma radiation—high-frequency energy that can damage human cells and increase the risk of cancer. Daniel Hirsch, a retired UC Santa Cruz environmental policy expert, described gamma radiation as "subatomic bullets" that pose a risk at any level, according to the Los Angeles Times. "There is no safe level. Every level carries some risk."

While initial findings suggest the radiation poses a "low level of risk," according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), they warned that prolonged exposure in the affected areas could lead to increased health risks. CDPH officials said a person would need to spend around 20 hours in an elevated radiation area to receive the equivalent of one dental X-ray.

The city of Albany has yet to draw final conclusions about public health risks and plans to conduct further investigations. "We don't have enough information yet to make specific conclusions," said Brennen Brown, the city's spokesperson. He added that additional soil and subsurface tests will help clarify potential health concerns.

Meanwhile, the East Bay Regional Park District, which manages nearby land, was not initially informed of the findings. The district only became aware of the results after being contacted by a reporter.

In Berkeley, city officials are conducting their own radiation survey at Cesar Chavez Park, built on a former landfill, with results expected soon.