Just how much of a threat is the radiation from Japan going to be to West Coast residents?
Even if it's just small traces, when you talk radiation, people usually get concerned. But in this case, the constant coverage, the headlines and lack of information have made the situation on this side of the Pacific scarier than it needs to be.
Researchers at UC Berkely have fired up special devices to take air samples to see if traces of radiation from Japan will show up here.
The samples are being analyzed by highly sensitive detectors if radiation from Japan is present it'll show up on these monitors.
Dr. Dan Chivers, Assistant Research Engineer, says "we've been told the first air that would reach the West Coast will happen sometime tonight. We expect the amounts if any to be very low not posing any health risks at all"
Scientists say Californians have reason to worry, pointing out we're routinely exposed to radiation at much higher levels.
Dr. Chivers says "if you start to look at CT X-ray scan if you start to look at when you fly the types of doses you get are much greater than what you'd expect from Japan."
Still, we found plenty of people feeling a bit uneasy.
Berkeley resident Giulia Pavan says "a bit worried for sure and worried for all the planet if the radiation reaches here it means it's strong and everywhere."
Berkeley resident Leilani Lynch says "I feel I'm getting a lot of mixed information...so I don't know exactly what to think."
Dr. Chivers says "we're here to learn what if any radiation particles reach us as we learn that we put that back to the public so the public is well informed."