The leak of gaseous iodine-131 occurred on 26 August, when it was first notified to the Commission, and preventive measures were taken today following the results of tests which showed abnormal levels of radiation in vegetables and milk produced near the site.
The Belgian authorities have classified the leak as a “serious incident”, or level three, on the international INES scale. Level seven, or a “major accident”, is the maximum level on this scale.
The measures have been notified to all member states and Switzerland, which has also signed up to the ECURIE agreement. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation.
