nuclear-news

Problems in assessing radiation in Fukushima school lunches

Radiation testing on school lunches differs, The Yomiuri Shimbun, 30 Jan 12, FUKUSHIMA-–Municipalities are carrying out tests for radioactive substances on ingredients used in school lunches, but parents are worried whether their children are adequately protected as the testsare conducted in various ways.

According to data compiled by the Fukushima prefectural board of
education, 33 of the 59 municipalities in the prefecture test school
lunches for radiation.

Using two radiation measuring instruments, the Koriyama municipal
government checks school lunches only once a week, although
ingredients left over from lunches on the other four school days also
are tested. This means that some tests are carried out after the
schoolchildren have eaten their lunch.

On Monday, the Sukagawa municipal government will use five measuring
instruments to test ingredients two days before lunches are served to
children…… Parents are puzzled why some local governments conduct
tests after the children have already eaten lunch, while others do so
before lunch….
Ryugo Hayano, an expert in nuclear physics at the University of Tokyo,
said: “Tests on ingredients before meals engender a sense of safety,
but tests after a meal can help prevent long-term internal exposure.
With continuous tests on the actual quantity of food served in school
dishes, it’s possible to gather data about how much children should eat.” http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120128003573.htm

January 29, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, safety