Radiation still high around Fukushima No. 1 [View all]

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120226a5.html

High levels of radiation, including a rate of 470 millisieverts per year at one location, have been detected in municipalities near the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, according to an interim Environment Ministry report.


A survey conducted from Nov. 7 to Jan. 16 showed that the readings topped 50 millisieverts on an annual basis — a level deemed uninhabitable under a proposed new classification — in many spots north-northwest of the crippled power station.

The highest level of 470 millisieverts was logged northwest of the plant at a spot in Futaba, Fukushima Prefecture, while the lowest level of 5.8 millisieverts was detected in another part of the same town, the ministry said.

The results were similar to those of an earlier science ministry survey that used aircraft. The Environment Ministry plans to compile a final report on the survey by the end of March.