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URLhttps://www.livescience.com/63131-fukushima-radiation-in-california-wine.html
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Meta TitleRadioactive Traces from the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Found in California Wine | Live Science
Meta DescriptionA group of French nuclear physicists tested 18 bottles of California's rosé and cabernet sauvignon and found that the wines produced after the disaster had increased levels of a man-made radioactive particle.
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(Image credit: Shutterstock) Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident , radioactive waste leaked into surrounding areas and contaminated waters and food. Seven years later, traces of the disaster were found half a world away — in California's wine.  A group of French nuclear physicists tested 18 bottles of California's rosé and cabernet sauvignon produced in 2009 and onward and found that the wines produced after the disaster had increased levels of a man-made radioactive particle. Cabernet sauvignon, for example, had double the amount. [ Tracking Japan's Tsunami Debris (Infographic) ]  They reported their findings in the pre-print online journal  Arxiv . Article continues below Latest Videos From Live Science The researchers used two methods to look for traces of a radioactive isotope called cesium-137. The first method was developed about 20 years ago and could detect the particles through the wine bottle, without destroying or opening it. Since the presence of cesium-137 prior to 1952 is impossible (it's a man-made isotope first released into the surroundings by nuclear testing in the mid-20th century), it has proven quite effective for detecting fraud in old vintage wines, according to the study. For a more accurate detection, the researchers destroyed the wines through heating and reducing them "to ashes," they wrote. They tested for the cesium-137 in those ashes. Though they did find increased levels of the radioactive waste, experts say there is nothing to worry about, according to  The New York Times . There are no "health and safety concerns to California residents," the California Department of Public Health told the Times. The levels of radioactive toxins found in food and drinks outside of Japan is too low to be dangerous , according the World Health Organization . Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Even in Japan at the core of the meltdown, though over 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes, there have been no deaths or radiation sickness reported so far, according to the  World Nuclear Association . Further, most bottles of wine made after 1952 do contain at least a little bit of this nuclear twist.  Originally published on Live Science . Yasemin is a staff writer at Live Science, covering health, neuroscience and biology. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Science and the San Jose Mercury News. She has a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\! Subscribe + *** Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. [Explore](https://www.livescience.com/membership) *** An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear [power plant accident](https://www.livescience.com/39110-japan-2011-earthquake-tsunami-facts.html), radioactive waste leaked into surrounding areas and contaminated waters and food. Seven years later, traces of the disaster were found half a world away — in California's wine. A group of French nuclear physicists tested 18 bottles of California's rosé and cabernet sauvignon produced in 2009 and onward and found that the wines produced after the disaster had increased levels of a man-made radioactive particle. Cabernet sauvignon, for example, had double the amount. \[[Tracking Japan's Tsunami Debris (Infographic)](https://www.livescience.com/21067-japan-tsunami-debris-tracking.html)\] They reported their findings in the pre-print online journal [Arxiv](https://arxiv.org/pdf/1807.04340.pdf). Article continues below Latest Videos From Live Science You may like - [![two locks of human hair against a light colored background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CZEBSwXhTRfu66yTx7cEed.png) Preserved hair reveals just how bad lead exposure was in the 20th century](https://www.livescience.com/health/preserved-hair-reveals-just-how-bad-lead-exposure-was-in-the-20th-century) - [![A man with glasses and a blue shirt stands behind a Ferris-wheel looking contraption with red and blue lighting in a dark room](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KwLF4xMA97U8z8jSRSdxaC.jpg) Science history: Carbon-14 is discovered, opening a window into past civilizations — Feb. 27, 1940](https://www.livescience.com/chemistry/science-history-carbon-14-is-discovered-opening-a-window-into-past-civilizations-feb-27-1940) - [![Devastated buildings along the shoreline](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gC3QoeBWqn56TmTS2EXCZd.jpg) Hidden slippery clay on seafloor may have worsened devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan](https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/earthquakes/hidden-slippery-clay-on-seafloor-may-have-worsened-devastating-2011-tsunami-in-japan) The researchers used two methods to look for traces of a radioactive isotope called cesium-137. The first method was developed about 20 years ago and could detect the particles through the wine bottle, without destroying or opening it. Since the [presence of cesium-137](https://www.livescience.com/37578-cesium.html) prior to 1952 is impossible (it's a man-made isotope first released into the surroundings by nuclear testing in the mid-20th century), it has proven quite effective for detecting fraud in old vintage wines, according to the study. For a more accurate detection, the researchers destroyed the wines through heating and reducing them "to ashes," they wrote. They tested for the cesium-137 in those ashes. Though they did find increased levels of the radioactive waste, experts say there is nothing to worry about, according to [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/science/fukushima-radiation-levels-california-wine-nyt.html). There are no "health and safety concerns to California residents," the California Department of Public Health told the Times. The levels of radioactive toxins found in food and drinks outside of Japan is [too low to be dangerous](https://www.livescience.com/61986-fukushima-anniversary-radiation-levels.html), according the [World Health Organization](http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index7.html). Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Even in Japan at the core of the meltdown, though over 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes, there have been no deaths or radiation sickness reported so far, according to the [World Nuclear Association](http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/fukushima-accident.aspx). Further, most bottles of wine made after 1952 do contain at least a little bit of this nuclear twist. *Originally published on* [*Live Science*](https://www.livescience.com/63131-fukushima-radiation-in-california-wine.html)*.* TOPICS [wine](https://www.livescience.com/tag/wine) [beer](https://www.livescience.com/tag/beer) ![Yasemin Saplakoglu](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/j4WPb3bpjrZ4n4Q7nNsYSV.jpg) [Yasemin Saplakoglu](https://www.livescience.com/author/yasemin-saplakoglu) Social Links Navigation Staff Writer Yasemin is a staff writer at Live Science, covering health, neuroscience and biology. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Science and the San Jose Mercury News. She has a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. 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![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aeDBENMJVHVZGtec4VN8wY.jpg) (Image credit: Shutterstock) Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear [power plant accident](https://www.livescience.com/39110-japan-2011-earthquake-tsunami-facts.html), radioactive waste leaked into surrounding areas and contaminated waters and food. Seven years later, traces of the disaster were found half a world away — in California's wine. A group of French nuclear physicists tested 18 bottles of California's rosé and cabernet sauvignon produced in 2009 and onward and found that the wines produced after the disaster had increased levels of a man-made radioactive particle. Cabernet sauvignon, for example, had double the amount. \[[Tracking Japan's Tsunami Debris (Infographic)](https://www.livescience.com/21067-japan-tsunami-debris-tracking.html)\] They reported their findings in the pre-print online journal [Arxiv](https://arxiv.org/pdf/1807.04340.pdf). Article continues below Latest Videos From Live Science The researchers used two methods to look for traces of a radioactive isotope called cesium-137. The first method was developed about 20 years ago and could detect the particles through the wine bottle, without destroying or opening it. Since the [presence of cesium-137](https://www.livescience.com/37578-cesium.html) prior to 1952 is impossible (it's a man-made isotope first released into the surroundings by nuclear testing in the mid-20th century), it has proven quite effective for detecting fraud in old vintage wines, according to the study. For a more accurate detection, the researchers destroyed the wines through heating and reducing them "to ashes," they wrote. They tested for the cesium-137 in those ashes. Though they did find increased levels of the radioactive waste, experts say there is nothing to worry about, according to [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/science/fukushima-radiation-levels-california-wine-nyt.html). There are no "health and safety concerns to California residents," the California Department of Public Health told the Times. The levels of radioactive toxins found in food and drinks outside of Japan is [too low to be dangerous](https://www.livescience.com/61986-fukushima-anniversary-radiation-levels.html), according the [World Health Organization](http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index7.html). Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Even in Japan at the core of the meltdown, though over 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes, there have been no deaths or radiation sickness reported so far, according to the [World Nuclear Association](http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/fukushima-accident.aspx). Further, most bottles of wine made after 1952 do contain at least a little bit of this nuclear twist. *Originally published on* [*Live Science*](https://www.livescience.com/63131-fukushima-radiation-in-california-wine.html)*.* Yasemin is a staff writer at Live Science, covering health, neuroscience and biology. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Science and the San Jose Mercury News. She has a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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