Japan's Nuclear Emergency: Radiation in Southern California?

Map of Radiation Detection Stations
Image by the Environmental Protection Agency

dangerous is Japan's nuclear emergency to the United States?

According to an anonymous Viennese diplomat, radiation from meltdowns and cooling procedures has been detected in Southern California as of March 18, 2011. Health officials maintain that no radiation has been found on the West Coast, and that any level of nuclear particles that manages to cross the Pacific will not pose a health risk. Meanwhile, residents rush to purchase potassium iodide in local health stores and via the Internet.

Viennese Diplomat Reports Radiation

According to the Associated Press, a diplomat involved with the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has reported that radiation has been detected in Southern California. Although the levels that he reported were considerably below dangerous levels, it would be reassuring for California residents to hear confirmation from health officials, rather than second-hand anonymous reports from Vienna. Requests for statements from both the CTBTO and the California Emergency Management Agency have been sent, but have not yet received a reply as of publication.