In the article, cleanup of radioactive particles that have seeped into porous building materials such as brick and marble appears to be difficult and expensive, even given the described breakthroughs. Perhaps a more proactive measure would be to require these materials to be impregnated with a stable polymer or similar compound that precludes the “soaking up” of undesirable materials and makes cleanup of a dirty bomb or everyday pollutants as simple as wiping or spraying down the surface.

Sandra L. Hubscher
Atlantic Mine, Mich.