Either way, it's clearly beyond the threshold for classification as an INES level seven event, although an order of magnitude lower than the 5.2 million TBq released from Chernobyl.

BBC: Fukushima: As bad as Chernobyl?

The World Health Organization in June declared a Level 6 worldwide pandemic, the organization's highest classification.

CNN: Use 'common-sense' steps against H1N1 virus, Obama says