North Korea nuclear test: no radiation detected

North Korean soldiers stand guard along the bank of the Yalu River in the North Korean town of Sinuiji, on Dec. 22, 2011.

Credit:

Liu Jin

South Korean experts and Chinese officials have claimed that they did not detect any radioactive isotopes from North Korea's nuclear test.

According to the BBC, in South Korea eight samples were analyzed, but nothing was found, hampering their ability to gauge the device's success. Certain isotopes, for example xenon gases, would have helped experts determine whether the North used plutonium or uranium.

In China, more than 150 radiation monitoring stations began conducting real-time environmental monitoring soon after the test. However, according to Reuters, the Chinese Environment Ministry said that they had not found any abnormalities.

The UN Security council called the explosion a "clear threat to international peace and security," and has promised action.

While you are here...

The work we do has never been more important — whether it’s because of “news” that might not be news at all or healing the deep divides in our country. Now more than ever, we need conversation, perspective and diverse voices. Will you support PRI in our efforts to create a more informed empathetic world?