From the NY Times

The government said it was barring all shipments of milk from Fukushima Prefecture and shipments of spinach from Ibaraki Prefecture, after finding new cases of above-normal levels of radioactive elements in milk and several vegetables.

Relatively high levels were also found in spinach from Tochigi and Gunma Prefectures to the west, canola from Gunma Prefecture and chrysanthemum greens from Chiba Prefecture, south of Ibaraki.

Gunma, Tochigi and Ibaraki are #17, 18 and 19 on the map. NRT is in Chiba #23. The reactors are in Fukushima #7 and the winds have been westerly since the quake. Just sayin ...



Radiation contamination, meanwhile, appears to be spreading rapidly. The substances detected in the food products were iodine 131 and cesium 137, two of the more dangerous byproducts of reactor operations that are feared to have been released from the plants in Fukushima. If absorbed through milk and milk products, iodine 131 can accumulate in the thyroid and cause cancer. Cesium 137 can damage cells and lead to an increased risk of cancer.

Mr. Fukuyama, the deputy chief cabinet secretary, stressed that although the readings were above levels deemed normal, they posed no immediate health risks.

“At current levels, I would let my children eat the spinach and drink the water” from Fukushima, he said. His children did not drink much milk, he added.

At least he has a sense of humor.