Tuesday
Mar152011
"Stephen C. Webster - 17 US Navy crewmembers in Japan test positive for radioactivity
March 15, 2011 By Stephen C. Webster
03.14.11
As Japan struggles to contain three nuclear power reactors following a devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, there have been a series of explosions and subsequent releases of radioactive stream, leading authorities to set up a 13-mile exclusion zone to help protect the local population.
In spite of the safeguards, 17 US Navy helicopter crewmembers have been tested and found to be radioactive, according to CNN.
A Navy spokesman said they were cleared free of radiation after they washed themselves thoroughly, but US forces are taking no chances. The 7th Fleet said Monday morning it was moving its ships clear of the reactor to avoid any threat to their mission: helping the people of Japan.