Japan sees no abnormalities at radiation monitors

TOKYO, Oct 9 (Reuters) Japan has not detected any abnormalities at its radiation monitors following North Korea's announcement today that it had conducted an underground nuclear test, a Japanese government official said.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency said earlier the country had successfully and safely carried out the test.

''They said it was conducted safely,'' said Jun Takada, an expert on radiation at Sapporo Medical University.

''Of course, we don't know how safe that was. But even if there was an accident with 10 per cent leakage, Japan is 800 km (500 miles) away so any radiation would be less than the amount in nature -- less than that used in a hospital exam with barium.'' Japan has radiation monitors near its 55 nuclear generators.

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