EPA reports some elevated levels of radiation in rain water in California, Idaho and Minnesota -EPA

• "While the levels in the rainwater exceed the applicable MCL of 3piC/L for drinking water, it is important to note that the corresponding MCL for iodine-131 was calculated based on long-term chronic exposures over the course of a lifetime 70 years. The levels seen in rainwater are expected to be relatively short in duration."

"Why are we beginning to see radioactive material in precipitation on the east coast as well as on the west coast? Will we see these results across the entire country?

• EPA is beginning to receive verbal reports of elevated but trace levels of radioactive iodine in precipitation samples analyzed by State laboratories. EPA is analyzing our own RadNet samples at this time to confirm these reports. In the coming days, EPA will also issue guidance to communities on this. We continue to expect similar reports from state agencies and others across the nation given the nature and duration of the Japanese nuclear incident."

To see results from these precipitation samples, please visit www.epa.gov/japan2011/docs/rert/radnet-precipitation-final.pdf.