LITTLE ROCK, AR - Air quality samples taken in the state this week have detected the presence of iodine-131, which is an element that has been associated with the nuclear power plant accident in Japan. According to the EPA, these types of findings are to be expected in the coming days all across the country and are far below levels of human health concern, including for infants and children.

The air monitors are maintained by the Arkansas Department of Health, which routinely monitors air conditions around Arkansas Nuclear One.
William Mason, MD, Emergency Preparedness branch chief said, “We know that people are very concerned about possible air contamination from the nuclear power plant in Japan. These levels detected in Arkansas are well below the conservative level of concern for human health. Along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other federal and state agencies, we are carefully monitoring the situation.”

"Radiation (including iodine-131) is all around us in our daily lives, and these findings are a minuscule amount compared to what people experience every day from sources other than air, food and water. For example, a person would be exposed to low levels of radiation on a round trip cross country flight, watching television, and medical testing," Mason said.

In response to the ongoing situation in Japan, the EPA has taken steps to increase the level of nationwide monitoring of rainwater, drinking water and other potential exposure routes through its RadNet program.

RadNet is operated by the EPA. Its mission is to monitor environmental radioactivity in the United States in order to provide high quality data for assessing public exposure and environmental impacts resulting from nuclear emergencies and to provide baseline data during routine conditions.
In general, data generated ...