Content of iodine isotopes in water near Fukushima-1 no hazard yet

TOKYO, March 26 (Itar-Tass) -- The content of radioactive iodine in
seawater in the area of the disabled NPP Fukushima-1 has exceeded the
local legal tolerance limit by 1,250 times, a representative of the
National Agency for Nuclear and Industrial Safety announced at a press
conference in Tokyo on Saturday.
However, he said, because no fishing is currently underway within a
radius of 20 kilometers around the power plant, there is no reason to
speculate that this level of the isotope iodine-131 has a direct
(negative) effect on human health.
Experts have remarked, though, that another test of seawater near the
power plant's filters indicates that the content of radioactive iodine in
it is increasing steadily. Just two days ago, it exceeded the norm only
147 times. This growth may be due to possible damage caused to some units
of stationary cooling systems, which could lead to leaks of radioactive
particles.