Radiation from Japan reaches Phl, but not harmful - PNRI

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) reported yesterday that radioactive particles from the earthquake-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan have reached the country but the amount is not harmful to humans.

“Environmental radiation monitoring all over the world, including the Philippines, has detected very tiny amounts of radioactive isotopes which appeared to be coming from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and which pose no human health hazards,” the PNRI said in a bulletin.

It said latest radiation level check at PNRI grounds in Quezon City as of 9 a.m. yesterday remained “normal” at 93 to 115 nanosieverts per hour (nSv).

The PNRI said it continues to monitor the situation at the nuclear power plant.

“The condition in the (Japanese) plant remains very serious but is not worsening,” the agency said.

It said high level of radiation remains inside the nuclear power plant but poses danger only to the emergency workers.

Very small amounts of radiation from the nuclear plant have also reached the US West Coast but federal and state officials said they posed no health risks.