In Case You Were Wondering: Radiation Levels in Beijing?



Developments in Japan have been distressing, to say the least, and given Beijing's close proximity, it's only natural to worry (albeit at the back of your mind) about any potential fallout risks from the ongoing Fukushima nuclear crisis here in the Capital.

Fortunately, according to this Reuters report, China's nuclear safety agency and the China Meteorological Administration have both cited no risk of westward winds blowing contaminants our way. "As of 8 a.m. (0000GMT) on Tuesday, China had detected no abnormal radiation, and all of the country's nuclear reactors were operating safely, it added in the statement on its website (www.mep.gov.cn)," the article states, adding that authorities expect winds to blow out from Japan towards the Pacific Ocean over the next three days (just in time for your correspondent to head that direction towards California).

Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for Tokyo. Authorities expect low level radioactive wind to reach Tokyo by this evening, and today's Air China flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Tokyo have been canceled, with additional cancellations expected for tomorrow.

More on China's own nuclear plans here.

Dr Richard has a timely update here.

Comments

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Despite all the reports concerning the lack of concern in China, I have heard of a few concerned / panicked expats (German) fleeing China already. Either they know something that the rest of us don't or they are having trouble telling the difference between China and Japan?

This is beginning to take me back to those halcyon and (French) free days of spring 2003......

Sante!

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

I personnaly drink more red wine. But then again Im french.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/3067317/Red-wine-can-protect-against-radiation.html

"I lived 3 years in China and survived Fukushima, and all I had was this stupid leukemia"

Some good news:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/japan-nuclear-fuel-idUSLDE72E0D420110315

Japan puts out nuclear plant fire - IAEA

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

But then again ... http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/japan-nuclear-iaea-idUSLDE72E07320110315

'UPDATE 2-Japan radioactivity "directly" into atmosphere-IAEA'

The image above is a simulated map of the potential radiation-affected area across East Asia, along with some text advising people in potentially affected areas to shower more and to wear facemasks and white, long-sleeve clothing (as if that would make much of a difference ...)

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

In case you can't see the Shanghaiist - I am assuming that this is the hoax sms.

Jonathan White, Managing Editor the Beijinger/TheBeijinger.com

Radiation just hit my thyroid

Thanks for that, but you might want to read this post before you panic:

http://shanghaiist.com/2011/03/15/hoax_sms_spreads_japanese_earthquak.ph

ADDENDUM: The Shanghaiist page appears to not be opening.

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

BBC flash news:japan govt confirms radiation leak at fukushima nuclear plants.Asian countries should take necessary precautions.If rain comes,first 24hrs close doors &windows,

The there's this odd piece from the LA Times that essentially says people (Americans, in this case) tend to have "unreasonable fears of radiation because don't have a particularly good grasp of the science of radiation and tend to over-exaggerate the risks"

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-radiation-fears-20110314,0,2491642.story

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

More from NYT

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/world/asia/16nuclear.html?src=twrhp

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Quote:
Thanks for the update, Jerry. I've heard rumors today of winds from Japan, but I see no reason for this from the reports. Plus, as the Reuters report mentions, the prevailing winds -- as they usually do -- blow easterly, not west towards China.

So no concerns for Beijingers at this time -- but my heart goes out to Japan and their suffering. I've visited Japan four times and love it there, and I truly hope things resolve quickly.

Maybe not so good news for Hawaii as well?

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Thanks for the update, Jerry. I've heard rumors today of winds from Japan, but I see no reason for this from the reports. Plus, as the Reuters report mentions, the prevailing winds -- as they usually do -- blow easterly, not west towards China.

So no concerns for Beijingers at this time -- but my heart goes out to Japan and their suffering. I've visited Japan four times and love it there, and I truly hope things resolve quickly.

---------

Richard Saint Cyr MD

Blog | Weibo | Clinic

More from Shanghaiist:

http://shanghaiist.com/2011/03/15/hoax_sms_spreads_japanese_earthquak.php (got one of these last night)

http://shanghaiist.com/2011/03/15/nuclear-crisis-japan.php

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Twitter user PDelinger: "Japan govt announces 30km no-fly zone around #Fukushima The worst scenario has happened."

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director