No federal agency is responsible for determining how much tainted material exists in how many consumer and other goods. No one is in charge of reporting, tracking or analyzing cases once they occur. In fact, the recent discovery of a radioactive cheese grater triggered a bureaucratic game of hot potato, with no agency taking responsibility.

I had written a long commentary to this article, but my computer glitched and I lost my information. Just as well. I would have angered a few politicians, I'm sure.

Take your time and read the dangers involved with an overabundance of radioactive materials in the world. Then, wonder why politicians even consider that a uranium mine would benefit Virginia citizens and the future of this state.

Take note on some of the discrepancies in this article. For instance, one paragraph reads:

"Experts say you needn't empty your home of metal implements for fear of radiation. The peril from most individual items is generally not considered great, although some could be hazardous on their own."

Yet another sentence refutes that previous remark:

"Because the amount of tainted metals in circulation is unknown, the cumulative overall health effect -- now and over time -- is impossible to calculate."

I think it's time the U.S. government provided its citizens with complimentary Geiger counters. That's the kind of health care I believe in.