With the radiation scare sparked by massive and repeated radioactive water leaks into the ocean in Japan, spreading, sales of radiation detectors are soaring, according to Gmarket, a leading online shopping mall, on Tuesday in a press release.

Sales of radiation detectors soared 90 percent in August over a year ago, Gmarket said, adding the company sold 40 such devices last month.

“As the fear is related to health issues, high-priced radiation detectors are coveted the most. In the measurement product category, a radiation detecting device priced at 269,000 won ($245) is ranked as the best-selling item,” a company official said.

Portable radiation detecting devices can be used to detect high-energy particles, produced by nuclear decay, in the air or food products.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)