Radiation detected in B.C. seaweed and rainwater not dangerous: researchers

[highplainsdem]

Source: GlobalTVBC.com

Radiation detected in B.C. seaweed and rainwater not dangerous: researchers
Tracy Sherlock, Postmedia News: Monday, March 28, 2011


VANCOUVER — Radiation from the Japanese nuclear reactor damaged in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami has been detected in B.C. seaweed and rainwater samples, researchers say.

Tests found iodine-131 in samples taken in the Lower Mainland on March 19, 20 and 25, Simon Fraser University said in a news release.

-snip-

"As of now, the levels we're seeing are not harmful to humans. We're basing this on Japanese studies following the Chernobyl incident in 1986 where levels of iodine-131 were four times higher than what we've detected in our rainwater so far," Starosta said. "Studies of nuclear incidents and exposures are used to define radiation levels at which the increase in cancer risk is statistically significant. When compared to the information we have today, we have not reached levels of elevated risk."

-snip-

The radiation found in B.C. was carried by the jet stream, and is now falling over the West Coast with rain, which is mixing with sea water and accumulating in seaweed, the SFU statement said.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.globaltvbc.com/world/Radiation+detected+seaweed+rainwater+dangerous+researchers/4517000/story.html

[highplainsdem]

1. This is the first mention I've seen of radioactive seaweed in North American waters.

If it was mentioned in other news stories, I missed it.

[WheelWalker]

2. Kick

[suffragette]

3. Looks like the local universities will be following this closely

I wonder if they have tested any shellfish, especially mussels.

Vancouver, BC not all that far from here.

Went looking around because of your post and found this:
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/71900/title/Japan_nuke_accident_seen_from_Seattle

Something about the stupid rollover ad at that site is making it hard for me to copy and paste, but basically it's physicists at University of Washington measuring radiation from the air filters from buildings at the university.

[KT2000]

4. Well, I see Victoria BC

from my house and I live on the Strait of Juan de Fuca with brings water in from the Pacific. So it is here now and we have had rain.

I will trust the Canadian researchers before I will trust our state health department or federal agencies to keep the people apprised of the situation.

Even though they say humans will not be affected, what about the sea life?

[Raschel]

5. The Japanese gov't has announced they will have to keep flooding the reactors despite fears of

radiation leaks. Looks like the numbers will be going up.

[defendandprotect]

6. K/R -- hmmm.....

[grahamhgreen]

7. No nukes.

[Ghost Dog]

8. "We have not reached levels of elevated risk", at four times normal levels,

does not imply this is "not dangerous".

That headline writer should be fired praised for doing what (s)he's been told to do: downplay these consequences at all costs.

I'd strongly suggest limiting one's consumption of shellfish, for a start, from such contaminated habitats.

[Bluebear]

9. Please continue shopping. And the seafood is perfectly safe to eat.

[eilen]

10. And the oil has disappeared and the residents of the area

surrounding the Gulf are safe and will be compensated for their losses; we now have "health reform" and have passed the most radical "historical" financial reform that will prevent the banks from crashing the economy again. The mass die offs of select species are entirely related to a self limiting virus or temperature changes. We are decreasing our deficits by sharing the sacrifice. And I pledge, no extensions of tax cuts to those Americans making $250,000 a year. We value teachers and really want to attract more young people this noble profession.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner

[dipsydoodle]

11. 'Fukushima nuclear' plant radiation detected in Glasgow

Low levels of radioactive iodine believed to be from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan have been detected in Glasgow.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the concentration of iodine detected was "extremely low" and "not of concern for the public".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-12892383