Fukushima Daiichi Radiation Detected In Charlotte Area

Duke Energy says low level radiation detected in the Charlotte area likely came from a leaking nuclear plant in Japan. According to the Charlotte Observer, regular EPA tests of air in the Charlotte area have detected low levels of Iodine 131. Duke says the levels are very low and pose no danger to the region's residents. One Duke official told the paper the increase was expected. The company says the radiation was likely leaked at the troubled Japanese plant and then blown east. Raleigh-based Progress Energy says it picked up very low levels of the same radioactive byproduct at its Robinson nuclear plant in South Carolina and a Florida plant. The company expects to detect similar levels near Raleigh and Wilmington this week. South Carolina Electric and Gas Company says it too has picked up low levels of Iodine 131.