EPA announced earlier this month that it is increasing the nationwide monitoring of milk, precipitation, drinking water and other potential radiation exposure routes, in response to the nuclear power plant crisis in Japan. According to a joint statement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), results from a screening sample taken March 25 from Spokane, Wash. detected a level of iodine-131 more than 5,000 times lower than the Derived Intervention Level set by the FDA. “These types of findings are to be expected in the coming days and are far below levels of public health concern, including for infants and children,” the statement said.
EPA conducts radiological monitoring of milk under its RADNET program, while the FDA has jurisdiction over the safety, labeling and identity of milk and milk products in interstate commerce. States have jurisdiction over facilities located within their territory.
EPA’s recommendation to state and local governments is to continue to coordinate closely with EPA, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More information isonline.