Report: Radiation From Japan Found In Chicago Area

WARRENVILLE, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) — Low levels of radiation from Japan have now been discovered in the Chicago area, according to a new published report.

As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Lisa Fielding reports, the Daily Herald says Warrenville-based Exelon Nuclear has discovered trace amounts of radioiodine-131, a radioactive isotope associated with the damaged nuclear plants in Japan, were found on March 22 at the Dresden nuclear power plant in Morris.

Air test samples also picked up a small amount of radioiodine-131 at Argonne National Laboratory near Darien, the Daily Herald reported.

The newspaper says experts emphasize the concentration of radioactive isotopes in the area is not of any threat.

Federal agencies are monitoring more than 100 similar reports all over the country.

Meanwhile, the State of Illinois is conducting a comprehensive review of all six nuclear power plants in the state, examining issues related to plant maintenance.

Image: This undated photo provided March 22, 2011 by the Exelon Corporation shows the Dresden Generating Station nuclear power plant in Morris, Ill. Dresden and the Quad Cities generating plant, near Cordova, Ill., each have two Mark I reactors of the same design as those involved in Japan’s nuclear crisis. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Illinois officials have said they will thoroughly review the safety of all nuclear plants in the state. (AP Photo/Exelon Corporation)

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