More than 20 samples of fruit, vegetables, water, soil and food, collected from markets within a 5km radius of the foundry in Prachin Buri where caesium-137 radiation has been detected, have been cleared of radiation contamination by the National Institute of Nuclear Technology.

Dr. Sarawut Boonsook, deputy director-general of Health Department, said today (Thursday) that the institute used gamma spectrometry to check the level of radioisotope Cs137 in the samples and did not find any radiation.

He asked members of the public in Prachin Buri to trust health officials, assuring them that the foodstuff, soil and water in the province are free from caesium-137 radiation.

He also said, however, that anyone who develops fatigue, nausea, vomiting, red eyes or a skin infection should see a doctor at the nearest hospital or clinic.

A small steel cylinder, containing caesium-137, went missing from a steam power plant in Si Maha Phot district of Prachin Buri and is believed to have been melted down at a foundry in Kabin Buri, after radiation was detected there. The recycled metal is believed to have been sent to Rayong province.