open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/52712

Effect of the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident on radioiodine (131I) content in human breast milk

英語

radioiodine

2012-05

Blackwell Publishing

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research

38(5)

772-779

Background: Environmental pollution with radioiodine occurred after an accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (FNP) on March 11, 2011, in Japan. Whether environmental pollution with 131I can contaminate human breast milk has not been documented. Methods: 131I content was determined in 126 breast milk samples from 119 volunteer lactating women residing within 250 km of the FNP, between April 24 and May 31, 2011. The degree of environmental pollution was determined based on the data released by the Japanese government. Results: An 131I content (becquerels per kilogram, Bq/kg) of 210 in the tap water in Tokyo, which is located 230 km south of the FNP, on March 22 and of 3,500 in spinach sampled in a city located 140 km southwest of the FNP on March 19 decreased over time to < 21 on March 27 and 12 on April 26, respectively. Seven of 23 women who were tested in April secreted a detectable level of 131I in their breast milk. The concentrations of 131I (Bq/kg) in the breast milk of the 7 women were 2.3 (on month/day, 4/24), and 2.2, 2.3, 2.3, 3.0, 3.5 and 8.0 (4/25); the concentrations of 131I in the tap water available for these 7 women at the same time points were estimated to be <1.3. None of the remaining 96 women tested in May exhibited a detectable 131I in their breast milk samples. Conclusions: The contamination of breast milk with 131I can occur even when only mild environmental 131I pollution is present.

学術雑誌論文

Accepted Manuscript

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