Increased radiation levels from Japan found in east coast states

Small levels of radiation continue from the Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant continue to be detected in the United States, according to CNN. However, the Environmental Protection Agency reaffirm that the levels pose no threat to public health. At least 15 states reported detecting radioisotopes in the air or their water or both. No state governments or agencies have recommended taking potassium iodide for its residents. Potassium iodide is a salt that protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine.

Trace amounts of radiation have been detected in west coast states including California and Oregon, but now increased levels are being reported from east coast areas as well. On Friday, increased levels of iodine-131 were detected in air in Maryland as well as microscopic amounts found in rainwater.

The EPA is using the radiation monitoring system, RadNet, across the country to monitor air and drinking water, milk, precipitation. So far only "slightly higher" levels have been found over the past week, the agency said. Higher levels of radiation were found in Alaska, Alabama, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Saipan, the Northern Mariana Islands and Washington state.

"These types of findings are to be expected in the coming days and are still far below levels of public health concern," the agency said.