On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported the Czech government had detected radioactive iodine in air samples above the Czech Republic.
An IAEA release confirmed that similar measurements had been taken elsewhere in Europe, but all were at trace levels that do not threaten public health. The agency continues to investigate the source of the iodine-131, a fission product with an eight-day half life. The agency noted it does not believe the iodine came from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan.
Citing an anonymous official, the Associated Press reported the substance's presence in air samples appeared to be ongoing. A different official within the Czech government said tests are underway at locations around the country, but he was certain the radiation did not come from a Czech plant.
The Czech Republic operates six Russian VVER pressurized water reactors built between 1985 and 2003, according to the World Nuclear Organization. They provide about a third of the country’s power, and a draft energy policy envisions a substantial expansion of the country’s nuclear fleet over the next 50 years.