[비즈한국] Radioactive iodine was detected again at several points in the Hangang River basin during the second half of last year. According to BizHankook's investigation, radioactive iodine was found in Tancheon near Samsung Bridge in Jamsil, Seoul; Jungnangcheon near Seongdong Bridge in Seongdong-gu; and Osancheon near Eungye Bridge in Osan-si and Geumam Bridge in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. Among these, Tancheon and Jungnangcheon have had iodine detected every year previously.
According to the results of the Ministry of Environment’s radioactive material monitoring network survey, radioactive iodine (I-131) was also detected in the Hangang River and other streams during the second half of last year. Levels of 0.14 Bq/L and 0.132 Bq/L (Becquerel per liter) were detected near Eungye Bridge and Geumam Bridge in Osancheon, respectively, while 0.168 Bq/L was detected in Tancheon near Samsung Bridge. Jungnangcheon, where iodine is consistently found, showed 0.11 Bq/L this time as well. This survey is conducted twice a year, in the first and second halves.
Radioactive iodine is a radioactive substance that can cause illnesses such as thyroid cancer. Its half-life is very short, at about 8 days. The fact that it continues to be detected in the Hangang River despite its short half-life suggests a continuous inflow. Since measurements began in 2016, radioactive iodine has been detected in the Hangang River basin every year.
In particular, Tancheon and Jungnangcheon are locations where iodine has been detected annually (Related article: [Exclusive] Radioactive Iodine Detected in Hangang for 8 Consecutive Years, Measures Remain 'In the Dark'). From June 2016 to April 2024, the average iodine level detected in Tancheon was 0.223 Bq/L (it was not detected in the second half of 2016 or the first half of 2018). In Jungnangcheon, the average iodine level from October 2017 to June 2024 was 0.247 Bq/L (it was not detected once in the second half of 2019). Notably, in Tancheon, 0.437 Bq/L of radioactive iodine was detected last April, which is the highest level recorded in the Hangang River between 2023 and 2024.
A common feature of Tancheon and Jungnangcheon, where iodine is continuously detected, is that large hospitals are located nearby. One expert pointed out, "The continued detection of iodine, which has a short half-life, means that it is leaking from somewhere. Since it is a continuous leak rather than a temporary one, nearby large hospitals and nursing hospitals should be suspected as the source" (Related article: [Exclusive] Radioactivity Keeps Being Detected in the Hangang River, Why Isn't the Culprit Caught?).
Although iodine is repeatedly detected in the Hangang River, there are no measures in place. Currently, the authorities only 'measure' and 'report' the findings, as there are no actual standards for radioactive substances in streams.
The Ministry of Environment and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) have not even begun discussions on establishing standards. An official from the NSSC explained, "The NSSC can discuss it after the Ministry of Environment first establishes the standards." An official from the National Institute of Environmental Research under the Ministry of Environment stated, "There is no discussion underway regarding the establishment of standards for radioactive substances. There are still no standards currently."