Radioactive materials that exceeded regulation levels have been found in seawater around the endangered Fukushima nuclear plant, but government officials offered reassurances Tuesday they will not have an immediate effect on people's health.
The impact on marine resources is not yet known, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said, adding however that an embargo on seafood caught near the Fukushima plant is not currently necessary.
Meanwhile, the health ministry advised residents of five towns and cities in Fukushima Prefecture to avoid using tap water to make formula milk and other drinks for babies due to abnormally high radiation levels.