Why did the
helicopter fly so low over my neighborhood?
The state Department of Health asked
for federal support to measure the background levels of radiation in
sections of King and Pierce counties. This information gave us a radiation
baseline. The low altitude flyover provides a more accurate measurement of
background radiation.
Why is the
radiation baseline needed?
A
radiation baseline tells us how much background radiation is currently found
in an area. This baseline would be used to compare against measurements
taken after some kind of a radiation emergency occurs. It helps state and
local officials quickly determine where potential health effects may exist
and warn people in affected areas.
What kind of
radioactive material did you find, and what were the sources?
We detected natural radioactive
material in the environment. We also found evidence of licensed radioactive
material users doing work in approved locations such as medical centers.
When are you going to provide the
survey results, and if so, how?
The Department of Health will post the
information on its website after receiving the final report. We expect to
post the final report online by February 29, 2012. The Department of Health will
work with the agencies involved in the survey to share the final report
among partners and with the public.
Did you find any
radiation levels that can cause health problems?
We did not find any radiation levels
that will cause health problems.
