The RadNet Query Interface on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website received the first result indicating a “normal” scale of Gamma exposure rate.
See http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert/radnet-data.html.
The RadNet unit was installed on Saipan by Environmental Protection Agency Radiological Emergency Response team commander Sam Poppell, who arrived from Guam on Sunday night, Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan said.
RadNet protects the public by notifying scientists, in near real time, of elevated levels of radiation so they can determine whether protective action is required.
Demapan said the current rate of 0.0050 mR/hr or millirankin per hour, indicates that only “background radiation” is present in the atmosphere.
Background radiation, he explained, is the form of radiation that is constantly present in the environment and is emitted from a variety of natural and artificial sources.
Current results further confirm that there are no risks of threatening radiation exposure to the residents of the CNMI, Demapan said.
Initial air samples from the last 24 hours had been collected and were now in the process of being shipped to the EPA’s laboratory in Alabama, he added.
Demapan also disclosed that the task force has established collection points of ocean and rain waters in the CNMI.
But since there is no laboratory here, the samples will be shipped to the U.S.
Although there is still no imminent radioactive contamination reaching the islands, the CNMI is in a “disaster mode” so all precautionary measures are in place, Demapan said.
At the Saipan International Airport, Customs is already equipped with portable radiation detectors to check cargoes and luggage for possible radioactivity.
Demapan said this procedure won’t delay the passengers because the detection procedure is being done right where the cargoes and luggage usually go through.
