#japan Officials: 'Miniscule' amounts of radiation detected in Wash.

By Associated Press

Summary

State Department of Health officials say they have detected trace levels of radiation in Washington from Japan's damaged nuclear reactors.

Story Published: Mar 21, 2011 at 5:41 PM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2011 at 5:41 PM PDT

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - State Department of Health officials say they have detected trace levels of radiation in Washington from Japan's damaged nuclear reactors.

Monday's announcement says that the "minuscule" amounts of radioactive iodine are millions of times lower than levels that would raise health concerns. Officials say that despite the new readings, overall radiation levels in the state have not risen.

The department reported that reading levels by the state are on par with federal and Canadian measurements. The radiation from Japan's crippled nuclear reactors is not reaching Washington in high levels because of the distance and air mixing.

A massive 9.0 earthquake and a destructive tsunami ravaged Japan earlier this month, severely damaging nuclear plants.

Officials say there is no health risk from the radiation and people shouldn't take potassium iodide pills.

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