I-131 In Seaweed In Puget Sound

OLYMPIA, Washington -- Radiation leaked from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power complex in Japan has been detected in seaweed in Puget Sound, but researchers say there's no need for alarm.

KIRO 7 obtained samples of seaweed from Budd Inlet near Olympia two weeks ago. Professor Kris Starosta at Simon Fraser University confirmed the presence of radioactive iodine Monday.

"We have seen iodine 131 in the sample you sent us," he said. "I think it's pretty clear by now this must be iodine 131 from releases from Fukushima."

The confirmation came on the same day Japan raised the crisis level at the plant from 5 to 7, the highest level on the international scale.

"I think it is surprising," Starosta said. "I guess I was assuming it wouln't reach this far, but it did."

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--bks