Answer to Question #12007 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Accidents

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

Is a handheld detector like the Medcom Inspector sensitive enough to detect an increase in background radiation due to a nuclear accident (similar to Fukushima) from 1,600 kilometers (km) away?

A

Even though the Fukushima event was very severe, and radiation levels close to the accident scene were very high, radiation levels dropped off very rapidly with distance. At 1,600 km away, there would be little likelihood that we would be able to detect the direct radiation from the reactor with the instrument you have.

However, there was also radioactivity released to the air during the Fukushima event, and even at large distances downwind, scientists were able to detect some radioactivity. This was done by operating air-sampling devices that filter dust and particulates out of the air. A detector is then placed over the filter to look for accident residue.

Using this method, you may be able to detect radioactivity above background at some distance from the accident. Note that there is natural radioactivity in the air that will show up on the filter. However, that is reduced by radioactive decay after several hours, leaving mostly accident residue.

Joel Cehn, CHP

Ask the Experts is posting answers using only SI (the International System of Units) in accordance with international practice. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a conversion table. You can also view a diagram to help put the radiation information presented in this question and answer in perspective. Explanations of radiation terms can be found here.
Answer posted on 25 June 2017. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.