Minute traces of radioactive iodine have been found in recent monitoring of air and rainwater in New York State, dramatically below levels that would cause human health concerns, State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, said today.
Commissioner Shah added we continue to advise New Yorkers that they do not need to take any precautions because of the radioactive emissions from Japan’s nuclear plants.
Dr. Shah added that exposure to this level of radiation is thousands of times lower than common medical imaging procedures, such as chest X-rays.
Air monitoring for radiation has been routine in New York for more than 30 years.
To evaluate the impact of the release of radiation from Japan, the Department stepped up its analysis of samples from air monitors.
The most recent analyses show that levels range from 0.01-0.1 picocuries (one-trillionth of a curie) per cubic meter in air.
These levels are similar or below what other states are reporting.
