Submission + - Elevated levels of radiation detected over Europe; (nydailynews.com)
William_K_F writes: Higher than normal levels of radiation have been detected in the air in the Czech Republic and in other parts of the continent but officials said they don't believe the public is at risk.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement Friday that very low levels of Iodine-131 have been found in the atmosphere.
The IAEA said the cause of the radiation is unknown, but the increase in normal levels does not appear related to Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The EPA said Iodine-131 can get into the environment after leaking from cracked fuel rods in nuclear plants. But the radioisotope will lose much of its radiation in roughly eight days.
The AP quoted an unnamed official, who asked for anonymity, as saying that the release of radiation seems to be continuing. The IAEA said it is under investigation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement Friday that very low levels of Iodine-131 have been found in the atmosphere.
The IAEA said the cause of the radiation is unknown, but the increase in normal levels does not appear related to Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The EPA said Iodine-131 can get into the environment after leaking from cracked fuel rods in nuclear plants. But the radioisotope will lose much of its radiation in roughly eight days.
The AP quoted an unnamed official, who asked for anonymity, as saying that the release of radiation seems to be continuing. The IAEA said it is under investigation.