Why were the radiation levels of milk, air and water chosen to be studied?
Contamination from nuclear incidents typically travels through the air in the form of particulates, although some contamination may become gaseous or waterborne. By monitoring for airborne particulates, estimations of inhalation doses to humans may be determined. Measuring precipitation provides a good way to determine the amount of contamination which is stripped from the air and deposited on the ground. This contamination which either naturally settles from the air onto the ground or is stripped by precipitation, may ultimately cause exposure to humans through intake of food and water. EPA monitors your drinking water and milk to ensure contamination does not enter these consumables, and in the event that they do, EPA monitors to ensure levels will not adversely affect human health. Actual food supply monitoring is provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EPA is also considering expanding the program to better protect you from contamination due to nuclear events. Here’s mor
