Radiation Spikes in Tokyo Tap Water

Don't use water for infant formula, officials advise
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 23, 2011 3:58 AM CDT
Radiation Spikes in Tokyo Tap Water
Smoke rises from Unit 3 of the tsunami-stricken Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant on Monday. Another mysterious plume today has prompted another evacuation of workers.   (AP Photo/Tokyo Electric Power Co.)

Radiation in Tokyo tap water has spiked to twice the level considered safe for infants, sparking a new round of fears in Japan over the nation's crippled nuclear reactors. Rising smoke, meanwhile, prompted a new evacuation of workers trying to plug leaks in the Fukushima Dai-ichi complex, reports AP. Infants are extremely vulnerable to the radioactive iodine found in the tap water, according to experts.

"We advise against using the tap water for drinking and for making infant formula for babies under one years old," said Tokyo's governor. The Health Ministry said it was unlikely infants who did drink the water would be harmed, but said it should be avoided if possible, reports the New York Times. The city is home to some 13 million people and 39 million residents live in the greater Tokyo area. Officials insist the radiation levels pose no risk for older children or adults. (More Fukushima Daiichi stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X