Japan maps Fukushima nuclear leak pattern  

日福岛核事故放射性碘扩散图发布 华人民众防范

(ECNS) -- A map that shows how far radioactive iodine spread in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster has been released recently by researchers from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the United States Department of Energy.

The researchers analyzed radiation data gathered in April 2011.

The map records levels of iodine-131, which contaminated the soil after escaping from damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

According to the map, the majority of radioactive materials that escaped from the reactors spread around the nuclear power plant, with the largest doses extending to the northwest.

Chinese in Japan are taking measures to protect themselves from exposure to the radioactive substances.

"We have been closely following the distribution condition of the radioactive materials after the Fukushima incident," said Zhou Lijun, who lives in Tochigi prefecture.

"The map helps me see the general distribution pattern of the radioactive iodine. I find that Tochigi prefecture is also in the radiation zone, so my family and I are taking radiation-proof measures to protect our health."