Radiation risk from Japan remains localized: WHO

The World Health Organization says the radiation risk from Japan's nuclear crisis remains highly localized, with no sign of an immediate threat elsewhere in Asia.

The World Health Organization says the radiation risk from Japan's nuclear crisis remains highly localized, with no sign of an immediate threat elsewhere in Asia.

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Michael O'Leary, head of WHO in China, said Friday there was "no evidence of a signicant spread of radioactive material" beyond the immediate area around the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Workers are fighting to cool the overheating reactors at the plant critically damaged by last week's earthquake and tsunami. The zone within 12 miles (20 kilometers) of the reactors has been evacuated, while people within 20 miles (30 kilometers) were told to stay indoors.

Health experts say there is little risk beyond that, including in the capital of Tokyo, 140 miles (220 kilometers) away.
Still, China and other neighboring countries increased monitoring of radiation levels.