EPA: Expect More Radiation in Rainwater

[Atman]

The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday reported finding elevated levels of iodine-131, a product of nuclear fission, in rainwater in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The levels exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) permitted in drinking water, but EPA continues to assure the public there is no need for alarm:

“It is important to note that the corresponding MCL for iodine-131 was calculated based on long-term chronic exposures over the course of a lifetime – 70 years. The levels seen in rainwater are expected to be relatively short in duration,” the agency states in a FAQ that accompanied yesterday’s brief news release.

“In both cases these are levels above the normal background levels historically reported in these areas.”

EPA said it is receiving “verbal reports” of higher levels of radiation in rainwater samples from other states as well, and that Americans should continue to expect short-term contamination of rainwater as radioactive isotopes spread through the atmosphere from Japan.

(wire story from www.Forbes.com -- sorry, posting from iPhone and site only offers mobile version with no URL)

[Junkdrawer]

1. Here's the link:

http://blogs.forbes.com/jeffmcmahon/2011/03/28/epa-expect-more-radiation-in-rainwater/

[RegieRocker]

3. I say to all pro nuclear people, drink a lot of water or drinking products

made with water.

[RegieRocker]

2. Could the reactor break down somehow reduce the world

population?

[Atman]

4. Another story from Boston Herald; link

http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0328radioactive_rain_in_mass_health_bigs_water_supply_unaffected_by_japan_fallout/srvc=home&position=0

[Sabriel]

5. How about making those "verbal reports" a little more solid?

I wouldn't mind seeing what--for example--Wisconsin is measuring in terms of I-131 levels.

Inquiring minds (with young children) want to know.

[madrchsod]

6. what no duct tape and plastic?

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. Anyone heard anything about Florida yet?

[nc4bo]

8. Should I be worried since I'm about to start my yearly veggie garden?

Goddamn it.

[jberryhill]

9. Why? Is someone else growing vegetables under different rain than yours?

Like, on another planet?

[nc4bo]

11. I'm not looking for smartass, I'm looking for SERIOUS answers.

You can keep the smartass to yourself thank you very much.

Vegetables accumulate water for an extended period of time before ripening, they also suck up nutrients from the soil they are planted in and I seriously would like to know if I should be concerned. Especially if there will be several waves of radioactive shit crawling across the country for an extended period of time.

[jberryhill]

12. I don't think you misunderstood my response

Either:

1. You grow and eat your vegetables.

2. You eat vegetables grown by someone else.

3. You don't eat vegetables.

Okay? Those are your three options.

Assuming that 3 is right out, then you are either going to eat vegetables grown by you, or you are going to eat vegetables grown by someone else.

The identity of the person growing the vegetables isn't going to make one bit of difference in relation to the potential radioactive contamination of the vegetables. If you do not grow and eat your own vegetables, but instead go and buy vegetables then how, in your mind, would the purchased vegetables be any less risky than the ones you grew?

It is not a "smartass" response. It is perfectly serious. There is not some magic source of vegetables under a different atmosphere than the one under which you intend to grow yours.

[nc4bo]

14. Well since you put it that way...

Unless stuff is raised in a greenhouse or somewhere that's not influenced by a jet stream, it won't make one dang bit of difference.

I guess we should look forward to a little something extra in our food/water supply.

Message received loud and clear. :hi:

ETA: Just read the pot cures cancer thread - perhaps I should look into raising one additional type of plant.

[Kip Humphrey]

10. No worry. Just because the falling rain makes its way into the watershed... /nt

[Quixote1818]

13. A small sunburn will do more to promote cancer than these trace amounts of radiation for such

short periods of time. A sunburn is a lot more dangerous.