A new nuclear radiation monitoring station has started operation in Dominica. The public can view and follow most recently updated data from Dominica at the Nuclear Emergency Tracking Center (NETC) at www.netc.com, which shows a map of stations updated in real time.
At present, it appears the Dominica station may be the only operating site in the Caribbean, although intermittent readings from San Jun, Puerto Rico, have been observed.
The NETC station in Dominica is maintained by Dr. James Keene residing for some 22 years in Glanvillia near Portsmouth.
“At the NETC web site, if you grab the map with your mouse, you can move it to display the Dominica site,” said Dr. Keene. “Then click on the icon over Dominica to see most recent data available.”
Radiation monitoring may be of interest from many points of view.
For example, arrival of measurable radiation from the Fukushima disaster might be identified. This historic pulse and continuing release of nuclear radiation may arrive in the Dominica area by travel of deadly particles in ocean currents or in rain fall.
“A significant increase in the observed counts per minute suggest something requires attention related to public health,” Dr. Keene explained.
Also, other sources of potentially deadly radiation might be detected such as illegal dumping of nuclear waste in the sea near Dominica, toxic radiation in imported items including food, as well as seafood caught in Dominican waters. Portable radiation detectors can be used to test individual food or other imported items.
I’m curious about the used cars from Japan!
Dominica does not have any nuclear facilities as far as I know. And so,why a monitoring station??There’re countries that are directly opposite Japan, ocean wise, and there’s no radiation monitoring going on there. I just hope that,it’s not the case of big brothers wanting too or is already dumping their trash in small brother back yard,and is taking in front to claim nerves.
I don’t trust the big brothers…..
With the rise in cancer cases on the island… this is something important… something we should have had…
Thank you for the news and station.
interesting stuff it would be great if we could have an array of buoys measuring radioactivity in the caribbean sea.
Great initiative i long awaited such , particularly the stock of imported vehicles
Yes, there are news reports that China has turned back a ship loaded with radioactive cars from Japan, which, as we speak, is shamelessly preparing radiation-contaminated tuna and rice for export. The “big guys” can try to take advantage of a little (but great) nation like Dominica and dump their defective products on us. Might be interesting to spend a day at the port with my radiation detector when a ship from Japan is being unloaded.
Think would be a great study – maybe eye opening.
I notice that the monitor is indoors, why not have it outside?
Outside geiger counter location would pick up a percentage more counts, yes. But the the purpose is to detect increases over time, indicating arrival of new radioactive contamination. An increase suggests a need to explore in detail the dosage and health implications.
I Have always been concerned about the Fukushima leak. Our Water (fish), our air. Whats up with all these used vehicles coming in from Japan. Are there any monitors in place?
Dr. Keene, Is your equipment adaptable to checking radiation levels in fish? Thank you for what you are doing. KS
Try reading the last paragraph over.might answer your question.
Try a portable radiation detector if you want to check radiation levels in fish.
Regarding checking radiation levels in fish, yes! I have a very sensitive portable radiation detector. As a public service, I will do all I can to test items upon request. At this moment, there is probably no reason to be overly concerned, since the major “dead zone” is now in the Pacific. However, just like perfume dispersing in a room, this radiation will eventually arrive here in the ocean along with contamination of sea life. Note that all pacific tuna have tested positive for harmful radiation. Do you know where your canned tuna comes from? In brief, imports of all kinds need testing including food items. My contact email is jamesjkeene_at_gmail.com
Hmmmmmm
mmmm why do we need monitoring? Is it “take infront” or something gone down?