This post is from October 2006. Facts and links may have changed since. See more from that month

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DPRK Test: What About that Radionuclide Data?

NHK and Yonhap have both reported on what Japan and South Korea have found in the atmosphere after the DPRK’s Monday test: bagel.

According to NHK:

Japan’s 47 prefectures say no radioactive substances have been detected at any measuring points in a survey conducted one day after North Korea’s claimed nuclear test.

The prefectures took samples of dust and rain from the air on Tuesday as part of an emergency government monitoring program.

They say the survey shows no trace of radioactive substances peculiar to a nuclear explosion, and that air radiation levels are normal.

Other government checks, including an air survey of radioactive substances from a Self-Defense Forces’ training plane, have also shown no unusual data.

Says Yonhap:

No signs of unusual radiation levels have been detected in South Korea after North Korea said it successfully detonated a nuclear device, the government said Thursday.

The Ministry of Science and Technology said none of the government’s 38 manned and unmanned monitoring centers had picked up any spikes in natural radiation from Monday noon to Thursday morning. The usual levels of radiation in South Korea are 10-20 Micro-Roentgen (mR).

Paul Kerr

Writing on ACW 2004–2021

Paul Kerr has been a research analyst at the Arms Control Association covering missile and nuclear non-proliferation issues since 2002. He also covers weapons of mass destruction developments in South Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Persian Gulf regions, as well as Israel's status within the international non-proliferation regime and U.S. non-proliferation policy.

All posts by Paul Kerr