APL: Japanese cargo radiation-free

APL: Japanese cargo radiation-free    Container carrier APL said Friday the U.S. Customs and Border Protection gave cargo arriving in Los Angeles from Japan an “all clear” after conducting radiation tests on 355 containers discharged from the ship APL Korea.
   APL said the containers were cleared Tuesday for delivery to locations throughout the United States. It was the first test of Japanese exports since a March 11 earthquake in Japan damaged nuclear reactors and raised radiation exposure concerns.
   In a statement issued Thursday, CBP said it was “monitoring developments in Japan carefully and is specifically assessing the potential for radiological contamination.
   “Out of an abundance of caution, CBP has issued field guidance reiterating its operational protocols and directing field personnel to specifically monitor maritime and air traffic from Japan.”
   At seaports, and in international mail and express consignment facilities, CBP said large-scale radiation portal monitors scan all maritime cargo and express consignment and mail arriving from Japan.
   CBP said no aircraft entering the United States has tested positive for radiation at harmful levels. It said its frontline personnel are equipped with personal radiation detectors that can detect the presence of radiological materials, and all airports have more sensitive radiation isotope identification devices to determine both the presence and type of radiation encountered.
   The agency said travelers who manifest signs of radiation sickness are referred to health authorities and provided appropriate treatment.