Radioisotopes in Fish Caught in Alaska Waters
Fukushima Radiation Concerns
Fish samples collected: 2014-2023
Summary
Beginning in 2014, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the FDA has tested fish samples collected in Alaskan waters for cesium-134, cesium-137 and iodine-131 radioisotopes. The Fish Monitoring Program developed the sampling plan for this project in order to collect relevant species from important fishery areas around the State. All samples tested by the FDA through November 18, 2023 resulted in non-detects.
Starting in 2016, samples have been analyzed in-state at the Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) using a Portable Gamma Ray Analyzer developed by the FDA and Canberra. The sample is analyzed here at the EHL, and the results are sent to FDA scientists at the Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center for interpretation. This allows for much quicker turnaround time resulting in more timely results. Additionally, if the need arises, this instrument would allow for effective, in-state assessment and monitoring of Cs-134 and Cs-137.
Download the 2014-2023 Radioisotopes in Fish Caught in Alaskan Waters Report
Note:
- Results reported in Becquerel per kilogram (Bq/kg)
- I-131 testing was discontinued after 2016 due to its short half-life
- DIL = Derived Intervention Levels, used by FDA to determine safety concern. For Cs-134 + Cs-137 DIL = 1,200 Bq/kg
- ND = not detected at Minimum Detection Concentration (MDC)
- AI-BS = Aleutian Islands/Bering Sea
Links of Interest
Learn More About Radiation:
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Fukushima Radiation Concerns in Alaska
- Radiation Exposure (NIH)
- What is Radiation? (CDC)
- Radiation Basics (EPA)
- Fukushima Effects on Canadians (Radiation Safety Institute of Canada)
Fukushima Radiation Release and Food System Impacts:
- Fukushima Radiation in U.S. West Coast Tuna (NOAA)
- Environmental Contaminants in Pacific Halibut - Mercury, Fukushima Radiation (International Pacific Halibut Commission)
- Washington State Fish and Shellfish Radiation Testing Results (WA State Department of Health)
- FDA Response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Facility Incident (FDA)
- Japan Nuclear Crisis: Information for Canadians Regarding Imported and Domestic Food (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
- Insignificant Environmental and Public Health Risk from Fukushima in North America 8 Years On - Biota (Fukushima InFORM)
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