Milk samples tested from dairy cows at Cal Poly indicate trace amounts of radiation

Posted: Mar 31, 2011 5:33 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Apr 1, 2011 8:13 AM

We have now confirmed milk samples were taken from dairy cows at Cal Poly tested positive for trace amounts of radiation. Traces of radioactive iodine-131 have been found in milk in San Luis Obispo and Washington state. But health officials say the levels are 5,000 below anything that poses a health risk. Since the Japan nuclear emergency, the state health department has increased milk monitoring in San Luis Obispo County.

The testing on the milk samples from Cal Poly's dairy cows was conducted Monday by PG&E and the California State Health Department. Despite the new findings, local health officials stress levels are far too low to be dangerous. Dr. Penny Borenstein, SLO County Public Health Officer, said, "I really want to assure the public, it is safe to drink milk. It is safe to consume our dairy products."

Since the disaster in Japan, milk monitoring has taking place weekly instead of monthly. Since the 1970's, PG&e has conducted monthly testing for radioactive materials in milk, air and water. The state health department then conducts its own tests from those same samples. Dr. Borenstein said, "It is possible that this very low level can continue and additional samples may test positive." KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero asked her, "Des that mean milk in stores would possibly have trace levels of radiation in it." Dr. Borenstein responded, "It is possible."

Health officials also say it's clear the radiation did come from Japan and they also gave a perspective on those milk samples that came back positive. Ron Alsop, Office of Emergency Services, said, "The average adult receives about 400 millirems per year from living a normal life. An adult would need to drink about 1,000 liters of milk to receive a single millirem at the levels found in this testing."

As far as whether this is also happening statewide, they say more testing would need to be done. The state health department say it does more air testing than milk testing since it's the best predictor of any public health risk. There are 20 air monitoring stations across the state. They all have been reporting trace amounts of radioactivity.