AP: Radiation levels up in Iowa

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110329/NEWS01/703299891/0#radiation-levels-up-in-iowa

Published Tuesday March 29, 2011

DES MOINES (AP) — An Iowa official says the slightly higher radiation levels being detected in the state are nothing to worry about.

Melanie Rasmusson, chief of the state Department of Public Health’s bureau of radiological health, said the readings point to normal fluctuations in background radiation levels in the soil and the environment.

Rasmusson said slightly elevated readings were expected following the release of radioactive particles into the air at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. But she said there was no way to positively link the Iowa readings with the Japanese problem.

Traces of radioactive material from the Japanese plant are being detected from coast to coast in the United States and in Iceland, but experts say the amounts are far below levels that would cause health problems.

[liberal N proud]

1. Nothing to worry - Move along

[Skidmore]

2. Nuthin' to worry about because Gov. Braindead wants to expand the nuke power

industry here. They're planning a second plant, ostensibly next to the aging Duane Arnold facility.

[Buzz Clik]

4. Do they have a plan in place for the waste? If not, it's a dumb idea.

[Buzz Clik]

3. Steve -- this is going to happen.

Until we start getting levels of radiation that are approaching controlled levels, all this reporting of "barely detectable" levels is pretty meaningless.

Unless I've missed something, the additional levels of radiation that we're seeing nationwide has not added levels that exceed typical background.

Yes, we need to keep monitoring, but we don't need to be all edgy.

[Arugula Latte]

5. Radiation is good for you! It gives you that healthy glow.

Also, Camels give your throat a vacation!

[C_U_L8R]

6. And when it does become a problem

it will be too late

[Frustratedlady]

7. The breadbasket of America. This is only week 2 and not controlled...

I guess I didn't think Iowa would have much to worry about. I guessed wrong.

Have there been any speculation on how much radiation the US might get?

[Newest Reality]

8. Just a coincidence!

Move along.

When they say "nothing to worry about", I consider that a cause for alarm ;)

[Thav]

9. That was my cat, sorry.

His flatulence has GOT to be radioactive.