(Europea) Radiation risks from Fukushima 'no longer negligible'

[jpak]

http://www.euractiv.com/en/health/radiation-risks-fukushima-longer-negligible-news-503947

The risks associated with iodine-131 contamination in Europe are no longer "negligible," according to CRIIRAD, a French research body on radioactivity. The NGO is advising pregnant women and infants against "risky behaviour," such as consuming fresh milk or vegetables with large leaves.

In response to thousands of inquiries from citizens concerned about fallout from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Europe, CRIIRAD has compiled an information package on the risks of radioactive iodine-131 contamination in Europe.

The document, published on 7 April, advises against consuming rainwater and says vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consuming vegetables with large leaves, fresh milk and creamy cheese.

The risks related to prolonged contamination among vulnerable groups of the population can no longer be considered "negligible" and it is now necessary to avoid "risky behaviour," CRIIRAD claimed.

<more>

[CrispyQ]

1. Is the US media even reporting on Fukushima anymore?

I caught a few segments on AC360 last night, but never saw mention of the situation in Japan.

[FBaggins]

2. I don't think that it's because it isn't newsworthy

It's because there's less "news". The situation today is essentially unchanged from yesterday... and likely won't change substantially for weeks. Those of us on E/E pay attention to very minor details, but the big picture hasn't changed much.

If you look at the rest of the earthquake/tsunami reporting, it's faded out as well.

The radiation levels here in the U.S. (as expected) just don't add up to enough to get much notice... and since most of it was radioiodine, even that is fading out pretty quickly.

[flamingdem]

3. So moving government offices out of Tokyo is not news? Iodine/Cesium in US Milk not news?

There is a news blackout. GE owns NBC, etc.

[FBaggins]

4. Government offices are moving out of Tokyo because of radiation?

I very much doubt it.

Iodine/Cesium in US Milk not news?

At the levels that have been reported? No. Even in Hawaii they were talking about tens of picocuries per liter. A very small percentage of the level where the FDA gets concerned.

[flamingdem]

5. It was on DU yesterday

About the milk, I see the French are concerned. The USA needs to step up to protect pregnant women as well. As to the moving government offices -

I couldn't find a link, it may be in the rumor stage but there is this from sophia news

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=127294


Japan Mulls to Move Capital over Disaster Worries (bulgarian and Russia Offical News Agency)
Sofia News Agency ^

Posted on Thu Apr 14 13:42:50 2011 by RummyChick

As powerful earthquakes continue to jolt Japan and radiation levels near Tokyo are rising, the Asian country's authorities are considering moving the capital to another city.

The most probable location for a new capital are Osaka and Nagoya, according to ITAR-TASS. Both cities are located near international airports.

The main conditions the new capital has to provide are a population over 50 000 and a sufficient capacity to accommodate the parliament, the government, the Emperor's residency and the foreign diplomatic missions.

According to experts, should a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shake Tokyo, the casualties will be around 11 000, some 210 000 will be injured and the material damage will be worth about USD 1 B

[FBaggins]

7. I love DU... but "I saw it on DU" doesn't exactly make it so... KWIM?

:)

I think the story you cited here confused an earlier story that they were considering moving the capital of the Fukushima prefecture away from Fukushima and a different story that Japan wondered whether the seismic concerns around Tokyo (not radiological) meant that they should move the capital.

It most certainly isn't because of radiological concerns in Tokyo... because there aren't any worth mentioning.

About the milk, I see the French are concerned.

"The French" aren't. A particular French NGO is VERY slightly concerned. (Here's their report) http://www.criirad.org/actualites/dossier2011/japon/risks_in_France_v4.pdf

The USA needs to step up to protect pregnant women as well.

Pregant women are not at risk when the levels are in the tens of picocuries.

For goodness sake... some of the milk from Fukushima is now for sale again because the readiation levels have fallen so much.

[reggie the dog]

6. they are going to make my weed radioactive

those assholes.

can we sue this private company if we get sick from their radiation? we should do a class action and backrupt the fucking company.