As Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese Government release new information, many experts in the United States and around the globe are concerned about the potential of increased radiation exposure in American air, food, and water.
In April 2011, radioactive isotopes were found in the breast milk of mothers in Tokyo, over 250 km away from the nuclear power plants at Fukushima Daiichi.
Many new reports also show increased levels of Cesium, Plutonium, and other fission products in the soil, food, and drinking water in Japan, as far as 400 km from their point of origin.
This data verifies the risk of bioaccumulation of radioactive isotopes -- not only in the air, but also in the food chain; not only to those in Japan, but in the United States and other countries in the northern hemisphere.
In the midst of the longest uncontrolled nuclear accident in world history, citizens of the United States trust the EPA and the United States Government to lead humanitarian and environmental efforts within its borders.
As Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese Government release new information, many experts in the United States and around the globe are concerned about the potential of increased radiation exposure in American air, food, and water.
In April 2011, radioactive isotopes were found in the breast milk of mothers in Tokyo, over 250 km away from the nuclear power plants at Fukushima Daiichi.
Many new reports also show increased levels of Cesium, Plutonium, and other fission products in the soil, food, and drinking water in Japan, as far as 400 km from their point of origin.
This data verifies the risk of bioaccumulation of radioactive isotopes -- not only in the air, but also in the food chain; not only to those in Japan, but in the United States and other countries in the northern hemisphere.
As of May 22nd, 2011, the Japanese Government and TEPCO, have confirmed the full meltdown in Reactor 1, Reactor 2, and Reactor 3. Reports now show that much of the damage in Reactor 1, leading up to its hydrogen explosion and melting of the fuel rods, was caused by the initial earthquake -- and not the resulting tsunami which devastated the island nation 30 minutes to an hour after the earthquake. The ongoing fission process is continually releasing radiation in the form of steam and vapors into the environment.
Those at greatest risk from increased levels of background radiation are young children and the elderly. Citizens of France, China, India, and other countries have been notified that radiation from Fukushima is accumulating and are advised to carefully handle or avoid certain foods.
According to their website, the EPAs specific focus is to protect human health and the environment. On May 3rd, 2011 the EPA publicly announced on its website that it would return to quarterly monitoring and testing for air particulates, precipitation, drinking water, and milk.
As a concerned citizen, I am requesting that the EPA return to a status of ongoing weekly monitoring and testing of precipitation, fixed and mobile air filters, milk, drinking water, and agricultural testing based on the following criteria:
Radiation levels in some coastal areas of Japan and in seawater off the Japanese coast are measured to be thousands of times above normal levels.
Only with accurate and up-to-date data can the leaders of the United States make informed decisions in the public interest.
The containment of radiation from Fukushima has been uncontrolled for over 60 days, and it is unknown how long it will take to regain control.
Radioactive isotopes have been identified in milk in Japan and Hilo, Hawaii.
There is no safe or non-harmful level of radiation for human consumption.
Radioactive Iodine levels have been found in precipitation, exceeding the EPA%u2019s own Maximum Containment Level for drinking water.
The EPA has the primary responsibility for setting and enforcing national standards.
