Radiation Monitoring

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Who is Responsible for Radiation Monitoring?

According to RCW 70.98.050 and RCW 70.94.422, the WA state Department of Health is responsible for monitoring radiation. Please contact the Washington State Department of Health Office of Radiation for specific questions on radiation monitoring. The USEPA also has a dedicated series of pages for concerns relating to the Japanese nuclear event at http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/.

Monitoring Stations in Washington State

There are 4 official radiation monitoring stations in Washington state. These stations include monitors in Olympia, Richland, Seattle, and Spokane. Click on the city names for data in those areas.

If you would prefer a text explanation of any significant events, please visit the EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/data-updates.html.

Aerial Radiological Survey for King and Pierce Counties

July 11- 28, 2011

"A helicopter flying over some urban areas of King and Pierce counties will gather radiological readings July 11-28, 2011. The U.S. Department of Energy's Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measurement System will collect baseline levels of radioactive materials. The helicopter's equipment can detect the presence of radioactive materials that emit gamma radiation such as cesium and radioactive iodine. The baseline would be used in the event of a radiation emergency to compare radioactive contamination to the normal levels found during this study. The Washington State Department of Health Office of Radiation Protection is overseeing the project, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" - source

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