Observations of fallout from the Fukushima reactor accident in San Francisco Bay area rainwater

PLoS One. 2011;6(9):e24330. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024330. Epub 2011 Sep 21.

Abstract

We have observed fallout from the recent Fukushima Dai-ichi reactor accident in samples of rainwater collected in the San Francisco Bay area. Gamma ray spectra measured from these samples show clear evidence of fission products--(131,132)I, (132)Te, and (134,137)Cs. The activity levels we have measured for these isotopes are very low and pose no health risk to the public.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bays / chemistry*
  • Gamma Rays
  • Japan
  • Radioactive Fallout / analysis*
  • Radioactive Hazard Release*
  • Rain / chemistry*
  • San Francisco
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Radioactive Fallout
  • Water