Fukushima Tap Water Radiation Update: No Exceeding Safe Levels.pdf

Date: July 29, 2011

Source: Water Supply Division, Health Service Bureau

Summary:

The Government’s Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters has conducted surveys on radioactive materials in tap water within Fukushima Prefecture as of July 29. No results exceeding the "Index values for infants (radioactive iodine)" have been found. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) continues to gather data and take appropriate measures.

Key Points:

1. Survey Results: 94 data points from tap water samples collected within Fukushima Prefecture show no results exceeding the infant index values for radioactive iodine. An additional 1024 data points reported to MHLW are also available (Reference 1).

2. Tap Water Usage: There is no change in the status of tap water intake restrictions implemented by water supply utilities (Attachment 2). The health risk from short-term intake of tap water with radioactive materials above index values is extremely low. Drinking tap water is safe, and it is not intended to restrict access to drinking water in areas without alternative sources.

3. Index Values:
- Radioactive iodine in drinking water: 300 Bq/kg
- Radioactive cesium in drinking water: 200 Bq/kg (Reference 2)

4. Measures for Infants: If radioactive iodine levels exceed 100 Bq/kg, MHLW recommends refraining from giving infants formula milk dissolved with tap water or having them intake tap water (Reference 4).

5. Domestic Well Water Supply Facilities: Surveys on radioactive materials in tap water supplied by domestic well water facilities (including spring water) in Fukushima Prefecture are also available (Reference 5).

6. Timeline of Restrictions: A timeline (Attachment 2) details when restrictions were implemented and later canceled for various water supply utilities across prefectures, including Fukushima, Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tochigi (Reference 6).

References:

(1-4), (6) Refer to the original document for specific details.

(5) Attachment 1 (omitted in this summary).