Unalaska, AK – The Environmental Protection Agency has detected harmless trace of amounts of radiation in Alaska.

Radiation monitors in Unalaska, Nome, and Juneau picked up isotopes that likely originated from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan, which entered into crisis earlier this month. The radiation levels are currently "hundreds of thousands of times below levels of public health concern," according to the state of Alaska. These same isotopes have also been detected in Hawaii and in states along the West Coast, going as far as Nevada and Idaho.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services was notified by the EPA of the change yesterday. The samples that tested positive for trace amounts of radiation were collected between March 19 and March 23.

DHSS continues to emphasize that there is no health risk and that no precautions are necessary. The department especially stresses that Alaskans should avoid taking iodine tablets, which have their own harmful side effects.

The City of Unalaska has been monitoring the radiation situation and coordinating with the state and the EPA on the issue.

"At this point, it's my understanding that there is a minuscule increase in the background radiation that isn't harmful," says City Manager Chris Hladick. "And I have to go with what I'm being told by people who are experts in this."

Hladick also agrees with the state's assessment that panic is unnecessary.

"I don't see cause for alarm at this point," adds Hladick.