Climate Changed
EPA Says Higher Radiation Levels Pose ‘No Harmful Health Effect’
- EPA says protective level is ten times that set under Obama
- Trump administration guidelines may be prelude to easier rules
Los Angeles police officers in hazard suits participate in a terror response drill in Los Angeles, Calif. in 2004.
Photographer: David McNew/Getty Images
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In the event of a dirty bomb or a nuclear meltdown, emergency responders can safely tolerate radiation levels equivalent to thousands of chest X-rays, the Environmental Protection Agency said in new guidelines that ease off on established safety levels.
The EPA’s determination sets a level ten times the drinking water standard for radiation recommended under President Barack Obama. It could lead to the administration of President Donald Trump weakening radiation safety levels, watchdog groups critical of the move say.