Vigilant 'Radioactive Man' monitors local conditions, posts readings

Vigilant 'Radioactive Man' monitors local conditions, posts readings

• Source: Global Times
• [09:15 March 24 2011]
• Comments

Cheng Jing holds his radiation detector at the Baiziwan Jiayuan compound in Chaoyang district Tuesday afternoon. Photo: Yu Xiao

By Yang Jie

Not fully reassured by the accuracy of official nuclear radiation reports in Beijing, one electronics hobbyist is taking the initiative to conduct his own tests and post his results online.

Cheng Jing, a resident of Baiziwan Jiayuan compound in Chaoyang district, is conducting his own radiation research with a 1,400 yuan ($213) portable detector while out during the day.

"Nothing unusual has been detected since I started on March 16," said Cheng, "but I will keep going for another two to three months."

Cheng told the Global Times that he brings his device along whenever he steps out or takes public transportation, where he detects on average between 0.08 to 0.28 microsieverts per hour ( Sv/h). Exposure to radiation of less than 100 Sv has no effect on humans.

Areas Cheng has covered include those near West Sixth Ring Road and East Fifth Ring Road.

To scan with greater accuracy, Cheng also uses a more advanced detector manufactured in the US worth over 6,000 yuan. "It shows almost the same levels," he said.

Cheng's initiative was widely recognized after he shared the results on his community's online forum.

"Though the radiation in Japan is far away, we feel much more at ease thanks to your efforts," a resident commented following Cheng's post on sofun.com.

A radiation expert with the Ministry of Environmental Protection explained it is unnecessary for the public to worry about the nuclear leak in Japan or to conduct such tests, as official departments have discovered no fallout contamination in the capital.