Update: Maryland’s Ongoing Monitoring of Radioactive Material in Rainwater Following Japanese Nuclear Incident: No Public Health Risk

Update:  Maryland’s Ongoing Monitoring Detects Trace Amount of Radioactive Material in Rainwater Following Japanese Nuclear Incident:  No Public Health Risk

Baltimore, MD (March 28, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) reported today that a very small amount of radioactive Iodine – 131 was detected in a rainwater sample from Baltimore. The reported level of Iodine – 131 (32 picoCuries per liter) was consistent with the findings in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts as reported yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This very small level is not surprising and does not pose a public health risk,” said Frances B. Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services. “We will continue to monitor and update the public.”

Rainwater is diluted by water in reservoirs and rivers or filters through the ground before reaching groundwater and is treated before reaching consumers in drinking water. As a result, it is not expected that I-131 levels of concern of would appear in public water systems. Yesterday the Department reported negative results in public water systems and milk.

For additional information, see the Department’s website:www.dhmh.state.md.us.