Comments on: Japanese Seaweed Radiation Doubles

By: German Daddy

German Daddy — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:02:24 +0000

The question is asked if the fish off the West Coast of the USA are “hot.” Recent articles state they are emitting higher radiation that they think is b/c they are eating the radiation seaweed floating over from Japan. I have been looking for reports about Alaska salmon which also eat seaweed that floats in from Japan but have not seen any studies as of yet. Do due diligence before eating from the Pacific.

By: Michael Collins

Michael Collins — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:28:32 +0000

@aussie: Your comment's first sentence suggests you are joking but the rest of your screed actually confirms you don't have a solid grasp of the science related here. We have clearly described the difference between alpha and beta particles and how we were able to measure their presence in the seaweed. Your last sentence betrays your ignorance of the radionuclides gushing out of Fukushima's triple meltdowns: the beta-emitting radionuclides of most concern are cesium-137, cesium-134, strontium-90 and uranium isotope-filled "buckyballs" all of which are medium-lived and, in the case of the cesium-137, lasts up to 300 years before fully decaying. Try checking out the actual facts about Fukushima radionuclides by reading the umpteen posts, articles and comments on EnviroReporter.com.

By: aussie

aussie — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:23:48 +0000

To observe radioactivity has doubled for Nori seaweed means you need only eat half as much seaweed as before to ingest he same quantity of radiation.
Alarmist remarks about alpha and beta particles need a lot more explanation and qualification than you provide.
Radioactivity in the sea, indeed, in the atmosphere, is natural. It is invariably concentrated in sea organisms. What distinguishes natural radioactivity from artificial sources is that the latter are generally short-lived, particularly Iodine isotopes that cause the spikes in local levels for a few weeks.

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:07:25 +0000

To clarify: I emailed them via their website on 11 Feb, never got a reply, so wrote a letter on 22 Feb. Received reply (to this letter and original email), by email, on 27 Feb.

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:57:58 +0000

Update to my previous comment: Pret say their nori in the super veg wrap is from Korea. (Note that they replied by email to my written letter.) Like Rebecca, I’m still none the wiser as to its safety. I’ve suggested that they display more information (which they won’t, of course).

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:11:24 +0000

Do you have any current information on potential radioactivity in Nori imported from South Korea (2013)? My family loves the packaged roasted seaweed squares from the brand Sea’s Gift, which is available at Whole Foods stores in individual size packs (5g). Thank you very much for any help.

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:36:36 +0000

I’ve just eaten a Nori Super Veg wrap from Pret, not realizing at the time that it was probably Japanese. (I know some seaweed comes from France.) First time I might have eaten Japanese seaweed post-Fuku. I’ve emailed them, asking where it was harvested, but not holding my breath for a meaningful reply. Slightly concerned now…
R.P., London

By: Nickolas

Nickolas — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:38:25 +0000

If seaweed is hot then I wonder how hot fish is?

By: Nickolas

Nickolas — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:33:42 +0000

Izumi claims their Nori is 100% chemical and radiation free cause it’s tested. Any thoughts?

By: roundabout

roundabout — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:11:20 +0000

Has anyone actually tested seaweed from Iceland? [Editor's note: We haven't though it follows that seaweed from the North Atlantic - harvested well away from the Irish Sea - would be far less impacted by Fukugoo than the Pacific species]