Radiation hits California - Traces of radiation from Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster has been detected about 100 miles off the coast of Northern California.
On Monday, a group of scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute said radiation had hit California after they had found traces of cesium 134 in the area. This radioactive isotope is likely from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear spill.
Despite the news that radiation has hit California, the researchers are calling for calm. According to them, the detected radioactive chemicals are in lower concentrations; below the level harmful to humans.
"The Fukushima-derived cesium is far below where one might expect any measurable risk to human health or marine life, according to international health agencies," the group of scientists said in a statement.
"The levels were 1,000 times lower than the limits for drinking water set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency," the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute revealed.
After the meltdown of three reactors at Japan's Fukushima Dailchi nuclear power plant in March 2001, several countries have expressed concerns about being prone to a spread of radioactive materials via the Pacific Ocean. In February researchers in Canada found traces of radiation in at least across eight different locations across the country.
Japanese authorities have been struggling to contain the spill, which was exacerbated due to a tsunami that followed. Japan's waters are reportedly radioactive, researchers have reported finding high concentration of cesium 134.
"When cesium levels are in the 10's millions, there are possible direct impacts on mortality and reproductive ability of marine life," Ken Buesseler, a Woods Hole marine scientist said.
This radiation hits California at a time when many people will be looking to hang out at the seaside to while away the holidays. However, scientists are yet to note when the radioactive material will become present on the shores.
"[Researchers] don't know exactly when the Fukushima isotopes will be detectable closer to shore because the mixing of offshore surface waters and coastal waters is hard to predict," Buesseler said.
