Costa de Almería
First results of Palomares radiation levels
By m.p - Jul 1, 2007 - 5:47 PM
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El País newspaper reported on Sunday that scientists from CIEMAT, the Centre for Energy and Environmental Investigation, have completed their first analysis of radiation levels in Palomares where two United States nuclear bombs fell to ground after a mid-air refuelling accident four decades ago.
The scientists took readings on 6.6 million square metres of land for evidence of americium-241, which is produced by decaying plutonium. They discovered that the contaminated area in fact extends for 300,000 square metres, and not the originally estimated 90,000.
They say there is no risk to human health, but advise some restrictions on land use as a precautionary measure, including on the sale of food products grown in the affected area.
The Nuclear Safety Commission meets on Monday to debate the results of the study.
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