A plume stemming from the is projected to reach Southern California in the coming days, although the level of radiation is expected to be low. In a worst-case scenario, the plume could pose minor health risks, according to MSNBC.
Gregory Jaczko, chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, spoke about the plume during a press conference on Thursday.
"Basic physics and basic science tells us that there really can't be any risk or harm to anyone here in the United States—or Hawaii or any of the other territories," he said.
The plume is believed to consist of low levels of radioactive isotopes from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged following Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami, according to the Los Angeles Times. MSNBC reports that the plume is on track to reach Southern California by Friday.
The Weather Channel says offshore winds of 5 to 10 mph are forecasted to blow the contaminates across the Pacific Ocean and toward the West Coast of the United States. However, dispersement models reportedly indicate that a major dilution of the plume's radiation will occur as it travels across the Pacific.
A group of radiation experts is monitoring the situation, according to the Times.
