Radioactive traces found in NY likely from Japan

ALBANY — New York officials say traces of radioactive iodine likely from the damaged nuclear power station in Japan have been found at monitoring stations in the state.

The state health department describes the levels as minute and says they don’t pose a threat to the public safety.

The department says Tuesday the traces found in air and rainwater are consistent with findings in other states.

Federal officials say seven states previously recorded slightly elevated levels of radiation believed to be from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, which was damaged during the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. They are Alabama, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada and Washington. Small amounts also have been found in the Pacific islands of Guam, Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands.