Maps on radiation levels around crippled nuke plant to be compiled
Apr. 22, 2011
The science ministry said Friday it will compile maps showing the extent of air and soil contamination as part of government efforts to enhance the monitoring of radiation levels and reevaluate evacuation zones around the crippled nuclear plant.
Three kinds of maps will be released to show on-the-spot radiation levels, estimated levels of accumulated radiation over one year and the levels of radioactive concentration in surface soil, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry said.
Monitoring spots will be added and more equipment installed to measure radiation levels and the concentration of such radioactive materials as iodine-131, cesium-134 and cesium-137, according to the ministry. Monitoring frequency will also be increased.
The first two maps will be made public by the end of this month with plans to release them twice monthly thereafter, the ministry said, adding that releasing soil contamination maps would take more time because more time is needed to analyze relevant data.
Monitoring within the evacuation zone covering a 20-kilometer radius of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been and will be conducted mostly through aerial surveys.
Forecasting the spread of radioactive materials in the sea will continue, with more monitoring spots added, the ministry said, noting that the Fisheries Agency will work with local fishermen in monitoring radioactivity in seafood.
(Distributed by Kyodo News on April 22, 2011)
Three kinds of maps will be released to show on-the-spot radiation levels, estimated levels of accumulated radiation over one year and the levels of radioactive concentration in surface soil, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry said.
Monitoring spots will be added and more equipment installed to measure radiation levels and the concentration of such radioactive materials as iodine-131, cesium-134 and cesium-137, according to the ministry. Monitoring frequency will also be increased.
The first two maps will be made public by the end of this month with plans to release them twice monthly thereafter, the ministry said, adding that releasing soil contamination maps would take more time because more time is needed to analyze relevant data.
Monitoring within the evacuation zone covering a 20-kilometer radius of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been and will be conducted mostly through aerial surveys.
Forecasting the spread of radioactive materials in the sea will continue, with more monitoring spots added, the ministry said, noting that the Fisheries Agency will work with local fishermen in monitoring radioactivity in seafood.
(Distributed by Kyodo News on April 22, 2011)
