PNRI: Still no radiation threat to PH

MANILA, Philippines - Despite new radiation threats from the earthquake-crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the Philippines still has no reason to worry.

Based on the latest report of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institution (DOST-PNRI), the radiation level detected in the country’s atmosphere is 89 to 120 nanosievert per hour, which is “normal.”

Sievert is the unit of dose that reflects the biological effect of radiation.

PNRI earlier said there is no obvious effect on a human being who has absorbed less than 250 millisieverts.

The effect of radiation only begins to emanate when the body absorbs 250 to 1000 mSv. Here, the person experiences temporary nausea and his or her blood cell changes. Males also become infertile.

At a higher dose of 3000 and more, there is already lesser chances of survival.

Despite the fire that broke out earlier in the day at Japan’s oldest nuclear power plant, “the situation remains the same as far as its effects to the Philippines,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo stressed.

Quoting information from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), radiation levels at the plant’s main gate is at 0.06 millisievert per hour.

Vicente Malano, Pagasa Weather Bureau Regional Services Division chief, said the current wind trajectory also ensures that the radiation will not reach the Philippines.

The wind from Japan is moving towards the Pacific Ocean, far from the Philippines. The same movement is expected until the middle of May, he said.

Montejo said the only time Filipinos should worry is if there is a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima plant and the dissipation of water at the spent-fuel pools. “But these are very far from the situation,” he said.

source: abs cbn