Grand Canyon tourists possibly exposed to radiation at museum, whistleblower says

Park safety director alleges buckets of uranium sat near exhibit for almost 20 years, but interior department says there's no risk

For almost 20 years, workers and visiting schoolchildren at a Grand Canyon museum may have been unknowingly exposed to radiation from three buckets of uranium sitting next to a taxidermy exhibit, according to allegations from a National Park Service safety director.

The whistleblower says officials learned about the buckets last year and tried to hide the revelation, according to the Arizona Republic newspaper. This month, Elston "Swede" Stephenson emailed all park staff and brought the matter to the attention of the head of the interior department, which oversees the park service, and the agency's internal watchdog.