Minute radiation measured in Israel; harmless to humans

Atomic energy experts at the Sorek Nuclear Center analyze radioactive particles, say even prolonged exposure will not become harmful.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Japanese police after radiation screening 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS/Kyodo)
Japanese police after radiation screening 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS/Kyodo)
Initial signs of radiation from the Japanese Fukushima plant have reached Israel, according to a test which was held at the Sorek Nuclear Research Center on Tuesday.
Atomic energy experts analyzed the gathered data and have said that the radiation is harmless to human health and the environment, even with prolonged exposure to the minute radioactive particles.
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At this point, the public has not been requested to take any action, the experts added.
The research center operates a station which is part of a global network of stations which detect radioactive particles throughout the atmosphere. A powerful pump sucks in air and analyzes it after it passes through a high-flow air filter.
The air filter was checked on Tuesday and revealed traces of the substance Iodine-131 at a concentration of about 0.00005 becquerel per cubic meter.
Iodine-131 disintegrates at an average rate of one per second within 20,000 cubic meters of air.