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Earthquake
in Japan - What does it mean for Washington?
Shortly after the earthquake and
tsunami damaged some nuclear reactors in Fukushima, Japan in
mid-March, 2011, the Washington State Department of Health
began reporting daily readings of the background radiation
around the state.
Results from specific state health
department monitoring for radioactive iodine from Japan in
Washington’s air and rainwater were also posted online.
Recently, the levels of material from the Japanese reactors
detected in our state have been at or below detection levels
for standard test methods. None of the readings in any
testing in the state were of any health concern for people
living in Washington.
As the situation continues to
stabilize in Japan and levels of radioactive materials in
Washington from those reactors remain so low, the Department
of Health has discontinued reporting daily results online.
The state Department of Health continues to monitor
radioactive contamination in our environment throughout the
state, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
RadNet samplers continue to take readings as they did before
the earthquake. Additional information about EPA monitoring
that was conducted following the earthquake, will it at the EPA website.
If the situation in Japan changes
significantly the state Department of Health will increase
its testing and data reporting, as appropriate. Questions
about the state health department’s work on this event may
be sent to
prepare@doh.wa.gov.
The information below will give
you additional information and answers to your questions and
concerns.
Why the
nuclear incidents in Japan are not a health threat in
Washington.
FAQ.
This frequently asked questions sheet
will give you additional information and answers
to your questions and concerns many people
have about radiation exposure in the Northwest.
Radiation monitoring. Readings from air
and rainwater samples taken around the state.
Translated materials. Fact sheets and news releases in Korean, Russian, Spanish, Ukranian,
Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese.
Governor Gregoire, and
EPA & FDA continue to affirm safety from Japanese
radiation
Photos.
These photographs show radiation
monitoring equipment used by Department of Health staff.
Other sources of information on the
implications of the Japanese reactor accident:
For more information,
read our frequently asked
questions or send e-mail to
prepare@doh.wa.gov
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