"Drinking Water: EPA Unveils Guidelines For Post-Nuclear Accident"

"U.S. EPA has issued its first-ever guidance on contamination in drinking water in the wake of a nuclear disaster, 'dirty bomb' or other radiological accident, drawing criticism from public health and environmental groups.

The Protective Action Guide (PAG) posted yesterday on the EPA website is aimed at preventing acute and chronic effects of radiation.

EPA said the proposal would help local and state authorities evaluate water systems in the short term and decide whether to find alternative water resources or limit exposure in certain groups.

The proposal says the general public could be exposed to 500 millirem in drinking water, while pregnant and nursing women and children 15 years and younger would be limited to 100 millirem."

Hannah Northey and Tiffany Stecker report for E&E News PM June 7, 2016.