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No Harmful Levels Of Radioactivity Expected In US

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says harmful levels of radioactivity are not expected in the United States due to damaged nuclear reactors in Japan.

Earthquakes and a tsunami have damaged at least two nuclear complexes in Japan. Officials have declared states of emergency at six of the country's 55 reactors.

 

In a statement Sunday, the NRC said weather conditions appear to have taken the small releases of radioactivity from the damaged reactors out to sea.

Given the thousands of miles separating Japan and the U.S., including Hawaii, Alaska, U.S. territories and the U.S. West Coast, the agency said no harmful levels of radioactivity are expected.

The NRC is coordinating with the Energy Department and other federal agencies in providing any assistance the Japanese government requests during the crisis.

» PHOTOS: Disaster In Japan
» More Local Quake Coverage

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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