 U.S. forces measure radioactivity at copter crash site Akahata of August 21 reported that the U.S. forces on August 19 used Geiger counters while investigating the U.S. military helicopter crash site in Okinawa. Akahata reported that the CH-53D transport helicopter may have been carrying radioactive material, although the U.S. forces refused to comment to Akahata. The U.S. forces were also seen checking the site with similar counters immediately after the accident. Yagasaki Katsuma, professor at the University of the Ryukyus and an expert on depleted uranium said, "If DU was being carried by the helicopter that crashed, it would have been vaporized in the fire following the crash. When the smoke gets in the lungs, it can cause cancer. There is a need to carry out health checks on the residents." At the notice of Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture on August 19 began testing soil at the crash site. Ginowan City plans to hold a 10,000-people rally on September 5 at the campus of Okinawa International University where the crash took place. Led by Ginowan Mayor Iha Yoichi, the rally will call for an early return of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station site, where the crashed helicopter was deployed. (end) |