In Case You Were Wondering: Radiation Levels in Beijing?

Jerry Chan | Mar 15, 2011 1:00 pm | 15 comments | 9594 reads



Developments in Japan have been distressing, to say the least, and given Beijing's close proximity, it's only natural to worry (albeit at the back of your mind) about any potential fallout risks from the ongoing Fukushima nuclear crisis here in the Capital.

Fortunately, according to this Reuters report, China's nuclear safety agency and the China Meteorological Administration have both cited no risk of westward winds blowing contaminants our way. "As of 8 a.m. (0000GMT) on Tuesday, China had detected no abnormal radiation, and all of the country's nuclear reactors were operating safely, it added in the statement on its website (www.mep.gov.cn)," the article states, adding that authorities expect winds to blow out from Japan towards the Pacific Ocean over the next three days (just in time for your correspondent to head that direction towards California).

Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for Tokyo. Authorities expect low level radioactive wind to reach Tokyo by this evening, and today's Air China flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Tokyo have been canceled, with additional cancellations expected for tomorrow.

More on China's own nuclear plans here.

Dr Richard has a timely update here.

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Heping's picture Heping Submitted by Guest on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 10:52

Despite all the reports concerning the lack of concern in China, I have heard of a few concerned / panicked expats (German) fleeing China already. Either they know something that the rest of us don't or they are having trouble telling the difference between China and Japan?

This is beginning to take me back to those halcyon and (French) free days of spring 2003......

Jerry's picture Jerry Submitted by Guest on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 16:01

But then again ... http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/japan-nuclear-iaea-idUSLDE72E07320110315

'UPDATE 2-Japan radioactivity "directly" into atmosphere-IAEA'

The image above is a simulated map of the potential radiation-affected area across East Asia, along with some text advising people in potentially affected areas to shower more and to wear facemasks and white, long-sleeve clothing (as if that would make much of a difference ...)

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Jerry's picture Jerry Submitted by Guest on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 15:32

The there's this odd piece from the LA Times that essentially says people (Americans, in this case) tend to have "unreasonable fears of radiation because don't have a particularly good grasp of the science of radiation and tend to over-exaggerate the risks"

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-radiation-fears-20110314,0,2491642.story

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Jerry's picture Jerry Submitted by Guest on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 13:18

Quote:
Thanks for the update, Jerry. I've heard rumors today of winds from Japan, but I see no reason for this from the reports. Plus, as the Reuters report mentions, the prevailing winds -- as they usually do -- blow easterly, not west towards China.

So no concerns for Beijingers at this time -- but my heart goes out to Japan and their suffering. I've visited Japan four times and love it there, and I truly hope things resolve quickly.

Maybe not so good news for Hawaii as well?

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

rstcyrmd's picture rstcyrmd Submitted by Guest on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 13:16

Thanks for the update, Jerry. I've heard rumors today of winds from Japan, but I see no reason for this from the reports. Plus, as the Reuters report mentions, the prevailing winds -- as they usually do -- blow easterly, not west towards China.

So no concerns for Beijingers at this time -- but my heart goes out to Japan and their suffering. I've visited Japan four times and love it there, and I truly hope things resolve quickly.

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