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Radiation risk from Japan 'local': WHO

The World Health Organisation says the radiation risk from Japan's nuclear crisis remains highly localised, with no sign of an immediate threat elsewhere in Asia.

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Source: AP


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The World Health Organisation says the radiation risk from Japan's nuclear crisis remains highly localised, with no sign of an immediate threat elsewhere in Asia.

Michael O'Leary, head of WHO in China, said Friday there was "no evidence of a signicant spread of radioactive material" beyond the immediate area around the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Workers are fighting to cool the overheating reactors at the plant critically damaged by last week's earthquake and tsunami.

The zone within 20km of the reactors has been evacuated, while people within 30km were told to stay indoors.

Health experts say there is little risk beyond that, including in the capital of Tokyo, 220km away.

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Still, China and other neighbouring countries increased monitoring of radiation levels.


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