Radioactive Iodine Exceeding Maximum Contaminant Levels for Drinking Water Found in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts

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.

"We continue to expect similar reports from state agencies and others across the nation given the nature and duration of the Japanese nuclear incident." *

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,

"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."

The EPA also found radioactive iodine in milk in Washington State.

See more at  EPA - Japanese Nuclear Emergency: Radiation Monitoring FAQ's