South Korea Finds Safe Radiation Levels in Seawater Despite Fukushima Water Release

South Korea’s Oceans Ministry announced that radiation levels in seawater near the country’s coast remain within safe parameters, even after Japan’s discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Emergency tests conducted at four locations in South Korea’s territorial waters and high seas revealed that cesium and tritium concentrations were well below the World Health Organization’s drinking water standards.

The South Korean government expanded its radiation testing efforts to about 30 spots in the waters following Japan’s initiation of the release of radioactive water into the ocean on August 23. No radiation has been detected in domestic or imported seafood products. Japan’s plan to discharge over a million tonnes of contaminated water from the Fukushima plant over the next 30 years has raised concerns among neighboring countries.

The water is being released after being treated and diluted to reduce its radioactivity.