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sanji
Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:31 am


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Well, Misasa Onsen is one of the most radioactive hot spring in Japan, reaching a maximum of 683 Mache or 9361 Bq/L. There are more radioactive springs in Japan, but their waters are cooler than 25 degrees Celsius.

The World Health Organization (WHO) fixes the following limit for drinking water : 258.9 Bq/L. The EU fixes that same limit, for private wells, at 1000 Bq/L. Which means that Misasa Onsen is normally not producing drinkable water. 

On the other hand, studies shows that the rate of cancer in Misasa Onsen is not increased compared to other places in Japan, so there is no clear sign of danger for the people living there. Radioactive springs are also popular in Europe, and much more radioactive springs are found there (like in Badgastein, Austria).

sanji