Elevated radiation levels in Ontario

Radioactive Iodine in Milk detected after Fukushima, with minor iodine-131 traces reported in the United States and Ontario. Health Canada and provincial authorities cite radiation monitoring, food safety controls, and public health vigilance.

Elevated levels of radiation have been detected in Ontario in the wake of the Japanese nuclear disaster after last month’s tragic earthquake, Energy Minister Brad Duguid says.

However, the minister told reporters that he does not know where it is — if it is in milk or in the air — and when it got here.

Radioactive iodine has been discovered in milk in the eastern United States, according to New Democratic MPP France Gelinas Nickel Belt who brought the issue up during question period.

On March 11, a magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan, killing more than 10,000 people and crippling the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, with fresh reactor leaks renewing safety and transparency concerns worldwide.

Duguid referred reporters to federal websites to find out more information, including updates like isotope supplier disputes in Ottawa, from federal authorities such as Health Canada.

“I understand that there is and has been some detection of minor increases in radiation but it is not anywhere close to something that would be any impact in terms of human health and it is not something Ontario residents need to be overly concerned about,” he said.

“They have had similar readings, I believe, in the United States, with nuclear locations under review by authorities,” he said. “In terms of the specifics of those readings they may be available on the federal websites.”

Duguid said Ontario authorities would continue to be vigilant, as Port Hope nuclear report debates continue, and that people can be assured food and milk is safe.

Health Minister Deb Matthews, who has touted reactor safety in the past, told Gelinas she will ask Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Arlene King to look into the issue and see if there are any potential health threats here.

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