Officials from the Tokyo Water Bureau said Wednesday, March 23, 2011 that the level of radiation detected in the city’s tap water had risen to more than twice the recommended level for infants. Tests at a downtown Tokyo treatment plant showed elevated levels of Iodine-131 at a concentration of 210 becquerels per litre. Parents in the Tokyo area are being advised to limit how much tap water they give their infant children. Even though the level is more than twice the 100 becquerels per litre experts say is safe for infants to consume, older children and adults are being told they have no reason to fear water from their taps.

“Even if you drink this water for one year, it will not affect people’s health,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio Edano told reporters.

The recommended limit for adult consumption is 300 becqerels per litre.

For the 39 million people who call the greater Tokyo area home, the concerns over water contamination are associated with growing warnings about radiation levels in food.

A growing list of countries including China, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan have begun monitoring radiation levels of food imported from Japan.

Announcing the escalation from its previous commitment to monitor imports, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will now halt dairy products and produce from the region at entry. Other foods, including seafood, will continue to be sold after they are screened for radiation. The governments of Hong Kong and South Korea are now reportedly considering similar bans.