A study conducted by the Medical Physics and Environmental Radioactivity laboratory at the University of La Laguna (ULL) shows a 76% reduction in total alpha activity levels in aerosols following the closure of the capital’s refinery in 2013. This research, which spans a period of 22 years (from 2001 to 2022), exemplifies the effect that oil industry operations have on the surrounding environment and the health of the local population.
The analysis encompassed 1,105 measurements of surface aerosols and examined the progression of total alpha activity alongside its relationship with other pollutants resulting from this industry, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, toluene, and xylene. These pollutants and radionuclides are linked to the extraction, refining, and combustion of petroleum products, impacting both air quality and levels of environmental radioactivity.
The 2008 financial crisis, which led to a decrease in the refinery’s operations and its eventual closure in 2013, corresponded with a notable decline in atmospheric pollutant levels and other volatile organic compounds. It was established that 84% of the variation in total alpha activity records can be attributed to factors associated with industrial operations. Despite these fluctuations, there was no significant radiological risk for the local residents.
The findings have been published in the Journal of Environmental Management, authored by Pedro Salazar, Antonio Catalán, Francisco Hernández, and María López.
