Study response to Fukushima

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Edwin Origel, 509th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental technician, samples the level of alpha particles in the air here May 3, 2011. These samples are part of a study to see how far radiation has reached from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant melt down. All readings have been normal and radiation spikes are not expected, however, in support of the study bioenvironmental sampling will continue until further notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez)

Fukushima air testing

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Staff Sgt. Edwin Origel, 509th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental technician, adjusts air monitoring equipment to sample alpha particles in the air here May 2, 2011. These samples are part of a study to see how far radiation has reached from the Fukishima Dai-ichi nuclear plant melt down. All readings have been normal and radiation spikes are not expected, however, in support of the study bioenvironmental testing will continue until further notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez)

Whiteman assists in worldwide radiation study

Published May 4, 2011
By by Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Air Force is currently sampling air radiation levels globally in a study to assess the effects of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant melt down.

The 509th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental engineering shop is measuring alpha particles in the air around Whiteman in support of this study.

"We are checking to see if the alpha radiation readings are within the normal limit here," said 1st Lt. Ken Kirk, 509th MDOS environmental health and readiness element chief. "Basically we're seeing if any of the effected air from Fukushima is reaching as far as Missouri and if there is anything different from our usual background readings.

"An abnormal amount of alpha particles inhaled could lead to health concerns, so we want to ensure the levels of radiation in the air are safe," the lieutenant added.

Lieutenant Kirk said they set out air monitoring equipment with filter paper attached. They start by testing the fresh filter to get a background reading. Then they measure it in 5 minute segments for the next 15 minutes and then at 50 minutes.

"There is always naturally occurring radiation," said Capt. Crystal Brown, 509th MDOS occupational health element chief. "What we are getting right now is radon, which is a radioactive breakdown of rock.

"Things as simple as humidity and wind can cause radiation fluctuation in the air, so multiple readings under the same conditions give us a more accurate average to record," the Captain added.

The alpha particle counts from the filter paper have been normal since the tests began and no increased radiation levels that would pose a health risk are expected according to Lieutenant Kirk.

Lieutenant Kirk also said that without inhaling, ingesting, or absorbing through open wounds large amounts of alpha radiation, they don't pose much of a threat. "Alpha particles are stopped by your skin and your clothes, its radioactive dust," he added. "It has very little hazard unless exposed to in large doses. The risk is low due to the fact that alpha radiation only travels a very short distance through air."