Japan Nuclear Threat: Increased radiation level in USA, Minnesota

Fukushima radiation cloud is being more and more felt inside territories far from Japan. A increased radiation level was detected in rainwater samples collected in Saint Paul, twin city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Despite Environmental Protection Agency reassures that are below a dangerous level, citizens of the Twin Cities still fell worried about the air they breath or the water they drink daily.

According to EPA spokesperson, Phillippa Cannon: "EPA scientists routinely test precipitation samples from more than 30 sites in the U.S., that includes rain, snow, and sleet. Since the Japanese nuclear incident, EPA has accelerated that routine precipitation sampling." EPA said that increased radiation levels have been detected in the states of Idaho and California.

During its regular radiation testing, Minnesota Department of Health included testing around the power plants in Prairie Island and Monticello. Samples from the roof of St. Paul's Freeman Building have been analyzed.

Sue McClanahan, radiation specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health said: "All of the readings that we have gotten up to this date have been significantly lower than anything that we have to be concerned about. [...] One of the things about radiation no matter where it is or where it’s coming from, you can’t see it, smell it or feel it.”

Despite the low level of concern, EPA increased monitoring of rain and drinking water.