Are we safe?
The Fukushima nuclear plants are failing to cool down since it was hit by the tsunami on 11th March 2011. Since then, officials have been trying very hard to prevent the reactors from meltdown. Some steam was released to decrease the pressure built up in these reactors, releasing particles containing radiation into the environment.
How safe are we? Find out more below.Map - Nuclear Power Plants in Japan
Radiation Detector Reads 0.6 Microsieverts on 15th March 2011
Shibuya Station, Tokyo
Japan's Nuclear Crisis Escalating
Source: Associated Press - 9.00 NZST Saturday Mar 19, 2011
Japanese authorities have raised the rating of the nuclear crisis to a Level 5 from a Level 4 on a seven-point international scale.Nuclear Radiation Effects On The Body
Micorsieverts is the measurement used to determine the radiation's biological effect on a person's body.
On 15th March, it was reported that reactor No. 2 of Fukushima, Japan has been emitting up to 8217 microsieverts of radiation.
The information that follows is a guide on radiation exposures on humans from difference sources.
Single chest x-ray = 20 microsieverts
Food consumed every year = 240 microsieverts
Radiation from the Earth's atmosphere from space = 350 microsieverts
Single CT scan = 3000 microsieverts
According to The International Atomic Energy Agency, an average person can expect to be exposed to around 2400 microsieverts per year.
It will take a sudden dose of radiation of around 1 million microsieverts (or 1 sievert) for a person to get ill. At four million microsieverts, your chances of survival will decrease to 50 percent.
A dose of six to seven million microsieverts will be fatal.
Source: Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, agenciesRadiation Sickness
Source: EPA, Centres for Disease Control
Radiation Prevention Items on Amazon
Understanding Radiation Science: Basic Nuclear and Health Physics
Amazon Price: $17.77 (as of 03/20/2011) 
Momo Baby Women's Anti-radiation Maternity Jane Dress - Navy S
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 03/20/2011) Radiation Detection and Measurement
Amazon Price: $140.97 (as of 03/20/2011) How Iodine Tablets Help Protect Against Radiation Exposure
Since an 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Friday, the Fukushima 1 plant - which houses two nuclear reactors - has experienced two explosions and a third reactor has lost its cooling system. According to authorities, some radioactive vapour has been intentionally released to reduce the pressure on the reactors. The Japanese government has determined that the radiation around the plant is at a tolerable level for humans, but a 20-kilometre radius around the plant has been declared an exclusion zone. More than two hundred thousand people have been evacuated.
Japanese authorities have told the U.N.'s atomic watchdog they are making preparations to distribute iodine to people living near nuclear power plants. Concerns about the nuclear situation in Japan have sparked runs on iodine tablets in places as far away as Finland. (Finnish pharmacy reps said that some of their stores in central Finland ran out of iodine completely on Saturday.)
After the jump, the National Post found out why iodine pills are distributed when there is a potential threat of nuclear radiation.
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW
There's radioactive iodine, and non-radioactive iodine. (You can probably guess which one humans should avoid.)
WHAT IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
The most common example of radioactive iodine - iodine-131 - is a major product of uranium fission. After a nuclear event, radioactive iodine can be released into the air and inhaled. It can also contaminate the local food or water supply and in turn be ingested. The thyroid gland quickly absorbs radioactive iodine, which can be damaging. It was a major contributor to health problems after the Chernobyl disaster.
WHAT IS NON-RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
Potassium Iodide (KI) is a salt of stable iodine in medicine form. It is available as a tablet or liquid. The body needs stable iodine to make thyroid hormones.
HOW DO IODINE TABLETS WORK?
The thyroid gland absorbs both stable and radioactive iodine and cannot determine the difference between the two. When you take the tablets, the thyroid becomes "full" and will be unable to absorb any more iodine - either stable or radioactive - for the next 24 hours.
WHAT ARE THE TABLETS' LIMITATIONS?
Iodine tablets cannot stop radioactive iodine from entering the body. Iodine tablets can only protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine, and no other parts of the body. And, if the nuclear radiation does not contain radioactive iodine, then iodine tablets will have no effect.
How effectively iodine tablets prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine depends on:
How much time elapses between exposure to radioactive iodine and the consumption of iodine tablets.
How fast non-radioactive iodine is absorbed into the blood.
How much radioactive iodine a person is exposed to.
WHAT ABOUT IODIZED SALT?
While iodized table salt does indeed contain enough iodine to maintain a healthy thyroid under normal conditions, it does not contain enough to block radioactive iodine from being absorbed. Table salt should not be used as a substitute for iodine tablets.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
The thyroid glands of a fetus are most vulnerable (all forms of iodine cross the placenta).
Infants and children under 18-years-old are highly sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of radioactive iodine.
The iodine present in breast milk is not enough to protect a breast-fed infant from radioactive iodine passing readily into the milk. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women who suspect they have been exposed to radiation switch from breastfeeding to formula.
People who already have thyroid problems are also at a higher risk of injury.
Adults over 40 years of age have the lowest risk of developing thyroid cancer or injury after contamination and have a greater chance of experiencing an allergic reaction. They should not take iodine tablets unless a very large does of radioactive iodine is expected and they are told to do so.
WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE PILLS?
Local public health or emergency management officials will alert the public if it is necessary to take iodine tablets or other protective actions. They may also advise the public not to eat certain foods or drink specific beverages until a safe, radiation-free supply can be guaranteed. People should not take iodine tablets unless advised to do so because the risks - see side effects, below - may outweigh the benefits.
HOW MUCH IODINE SHOULD YOU TAKE?
According to the FDA:
Adults - including women who are breastfeeding - should take 130 milligrams of stable iodine.
Children aged 3 to 18 should take 65 milligrams. Children who weigh more than 150 pounds should take the adult dose, regardless of age.
Nursing and non-nursing infants between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 milligrams.
Nursing and non-nursing newborns should take 16 milligrams.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE TABLETS?
Most often a single dose of iodine - which protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours - is all that is needed. Officials may request that the public take a dose of stable iodine every 24 hours for a few days if radioactive iodine will remain in the environment for a prolonged period of time.Pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborns should avoid taking multiple doses.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
When officials advise the public to take iodine pills following a nuclear event, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Taking a higher dose than is recommended will not provide more protection and can cause severe illness or death.
People with thyroid disease should take iodine pills only under a doctor's supervision.
General side effects include intestinal upset, rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands.
With files from Reuters and Agence France-Presse
Source: the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S.
Article by Aileen Donnelly of National Post (adonnelly@nationalpost.com). Mar 14, 2011 - 2:47 PM ET | Last Updated: Mar 14, 2011 5:08 PM ETShould New Zealand Be Worried About Nuclear Fallout?
Philip Duncan from weatherwatch.co.nz explains how air currents could carry nuclear fallout from Japan if the feared meltdown takes place.
powered by YoutubeWhy The Nuclear Plant Exploded
More Videos On Japanese Earthquake- 11th March 2011
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- BY BARRY JOE MCDONAGHHave you ever wondered why people often experience setbacks when they begin to...
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- Japan disaster: Plant workers 'resigned to death'
- Workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant said they were "resigned to death" when the...
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- Foreign media has copped criticism for some of their coverage of the Japanese disaster from within J...
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Are we safe?
The Fukushima nuclear plants are failing to cool down since it was hit by the tsunami on 11th March 2011. Since then, officials have been trying very hard to prevent the reactors from meltdown. Some steam was released to decrease the pressure built up in these reactors, releasing particles containing radiation into the environment.
How safe are we? Find out more below.
Map - Nuclear Power Plants in Japan
Radiation Detector Reads 0.6 Microsieverts on 15th March 2011
Shibuya Station, Tokyo
Japan's Nuclear Crisis Escalating
Source: Associated Press - 9.00 NZST Saturday Mar 19, 2011
Japanese authorities have raised the rating of the nuclear crisis to a Level 5 from a Level 4 on a seven-point international scale.
Nuclear Radiation Effects On The Body
Micorsieverts is the measurement used to determine the radiation's biological effect on a person's body.
On 15th March, it was reported that reactor No. 2 of Fukushima, Japan has been emitting up to 8217 microsieverts of radiation.
The information that follows is a guide on radiation exposures on humans from difference sources.
Single chest x-ray = 20 microsieverts
Food consumed every year = 240 microsieverts
Radiation from the Earth's atmosphere from space = 350 microsieverts
Single CT scan = 3000 microsieverts
According to The International Atomic Energy Agency, an average person can expect to be exposed to around 2400 microsieverts per year.
It will take a sudden dose of radiation of around 1 million microsieverts (or 1 sievert) for a person to get ill. At four million microsieverts, your chances of survival will decrease to 50 percent.
A dose of six to seven million microsieverts will be fatal.
Source: Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, agencies
On 15th March, it was reported that reactor No. 2 of Fukushima, Japan has been emitting up to 8217 microsieverts of radiation.
The information that follows is a guide on radiation exposures on humans from difference sources.
Single chest x-ray = 20 microsieverts
Food consumed every year = 240 microsieverts
Radiation from the Earth's atmosphere from space = 350 microsieverts
Single CT scan = 3000 microsieverts
According to The International Atomic Energy Agency, an average person can expect to be exposed to around 2400 microsieverts per year.
It will take a sudden dose of radiation of around 1 million microsieverts (or 1 sievert) for a person to get ill. At four million microsieverts, your chances of survival will decrease to 50 percent.
A dose of six to seven million microsieverts will be fatal.
Source: Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, agencies
Radiation Sickness
Source: EPA, Centres for Disease Control
Radiation Prevention Items on Amazon
Understanding Radiation Science: Basic Nuclear and Health Physics
Amazon Price: $17.77 (as of 03/20/2011)
Momo Baby Women's Anti-radiation Maternity Jane Dress - Navy S
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 03/20/2011)
Radiation Detection and Measurement
Amazon Price: $140.97 (as of 03/20/2011)
How Iodine Tablets Help Protect Against Radiation Exposure
Since an 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Friday, the Fukushima 1 plant - which houses two nuclear reactors - has experienced two explosions and a third reactor has lost its cooling system. According to authorities, some radioactive vapour has been intentionally released to reduce the pressure on the reactors. The Japanese government has determined that the radiation around the plant is at a tolerable level for humans, but a 20-kilometre radius around the plant has been declared an exclusion zone. More than two hundred thousand people have been evacuated.
Japanese authorities have told the U.N.'s atomic watchdog they are making preparations to distribute iodine to people living near nuclear power plants. Concerns about the nuclear situation in Japan have sparked runs on iodine tablets in places as far away as Finland. (Finnish pharmacy reps said that some of their stores in central Finland ran out of iodine completely on Saturday.)
After the jump, the National Post found out why iodine pills are distributed when there is a potential threat of nuclear radiation.
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW
There's radioactive iodine, and non-radioactive iodine. (You can probably guess which one humans should avoid.)
WHAT IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
The most common example of radioactive iodine - iodine-131 - is a major product of uranium fission. After a nuclear event, radioactive iodine can be released into the air and inhaled. It can also contaminate the local food or water supply and in turn be ingested. The thyroid gland quickly absorbs radioactive iodine, which can be damaging. It was a major contributor to health problems after the Chernobyl disaster.
WHAT IS NON-RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
Potassium Iodide (KI) is a salt of stable iodine in medicine form. It is available as a tablet or liquid. The body needs stable iodine to make thyroid hormones.
HOW DO IODINE TABLETS WORK?
The thyroid gland absorbs both stable and radioactive iodine and cannot determine the difference between the two. When you take the tablets, the thyroid becomes "full" and will be unable to absorb any more iodine - either stable or radioactive - for the next 24 hours.
WHAT ARE THE TABLETS' LIMITATIONS?
Iodine tablets cannot stop radioactive iodine from entering the body. Iodine tablets can only protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine, and no other parts of the body. And, if the nuclear radiation does not contain radioactive iodine, then iodine tablets will have no effect.
How effectively iodine tablets prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine depends on:
How much time elapses between exposure to radioactive iodine and the consumption of iodine tablets.
How fast non-radioactive iodine is absorbed into the blood.
How much radioactive iodine a person is exposed to.
WHAT ABOUT IODIZED SALT?
While iodized table salt does indeed contain enough iodine to maintain a healthy thyroid under normal conditions, it does not contain enough to block radioactive iodine from being absorbed. Table salt should not be used as a substitute for iodine tablets.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
The thyroid glands of a fetus are most vulnerable (all forms of iodine cross the placenta).
Infants and children under 18-years-old are highly sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of radioactive iodine.
The iodine present in breast milk is not enough to protect a breast-fed infant from radioactive iodine passing readily into the milk. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women who suspect they have been exposed to radiation switch from breastfeeding to formula.
People who already have thyroid problems are also at a higher risk of injury.
Adults over 40 years of age have the lowest risk of developing thyroid cancer or injury after contamination and have a greater chance of experiencing an allergic reaction. They should not take iodine tablets unless a very large does of radioactive iodine is expected and they are told to do so.
WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE PILLS?
Local public health or emergency management officials will alert the public if it is necessary to take iodine tablets or other protective actions. They may also advise the public not to eat certain foods or drink specific beverages until a safe, radiation-free supply can be guaranteed. People should not take iodine tablets unless advised to do so because the risks - see side effects, below - may outweigh the benefits.
HOW MUCH IODINE SHOULD YOU TAKE?
According to the FDA:
Adults - including women who are breastfeeding - should take 130 milligrams of stable iodine.
Children aged 3 to 18 should take 65 milligrams. Children who weigh more than 150 pounds should take the adult dose, regardless of age.
Nursing and non-nursing infants between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 milligrams.
Nursing and non-nursing newborns should take 16 milligrams.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE TABLETS?
Most often a single dose of iodine - which protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours - is all that is needed. Officials may request that the public take a dose of stable iodine every 24 hours for a few days if radioactive iodine will remain in the environment for a prolonged period of time.Pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborns should avoid taking multiple doses.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
When officials advise the public to take iodine pills following a nuclear event, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Taking a higher dose than is recommended will not provide more protection and can cause severe illness or death.
People with thyroid disease should take iodine pills only under a doctor's supervision.
General side effects include intestinal upset, rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands.
With files from Reuters and Agence France-Presse
Source: the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S.
Article by Aileen Donnelly of National Post (adonnelly@nationalpost.com). Mar 14, 2011 - 2:47 PM ET | Last Updated: Mar 14, 2011 5:08 PM ET
Japanese authorities have told the U.N.'s atomic watchdog they are making preparations to distribute iodine to people living near nuclear power plants. Concerns about the nuclear situation in Japan have sparked runs on iodine tablets in places as far away as Finland. (Finnish pharmacy reps said that some of their stores in central Finland ran out of iodine completely on Saturday.)
After the jump, the National Post found out why iodine pills are distributed when there is a potential threat of nuclear radiation.
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW
There's radioactive iodine, and non-radioactive iodine. (You can probably guess which one humans should avoid.)
WHAT IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
The most common example of radioactive iodine - iodine-131 - is a major product of uranium fission. After a nuclear event, radioactive iodine can be released into the air and inhaled. It can also contaminate the local food or water supply and in turn be ingested. The thyroid gland quickly absorbs radioactive iodine, which can be damaging. It was a major contributor to health problems after the Chernobyl disaster.
WHAT IS NON-RADIOACTIVE IODINE?
Potassium Iodide (KI) is a salt of stable iodine in medicine form. It is available as a tablet or liquid. The body needs stable iodine to make thyroid hormones.
HOW DO IODINE TABLETS WORK?
The thyroid gland absorbs both stable and radioactive iodine and cannot determine the difference between the two. When you take the tablets, the thyroid becomes "full" and will be unable to absorb any more iodine - either stable or radioactive - for the next 24 hours.
WHAT ARE THE TABLETS' LIMITATIONS?
Iodine tablets cannot stop radioactive iodine from entering the body. Iodine tablets can only protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine, and no other parts of the body. And, if the nuclear radiation does not contain radioactive iodine, then iodine tablets will have no effect.
How effectively iodine tablets prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine depends on:
How much time elapses between exposure to radioactive iodine and the consumption of iodine tablets.
How fast non-radioactive iodine is absorbed into the blood.
How much radioactive iodine a person is exposed to.
WHAT ABOUT IODIZED SALT?
While iodized table salt does indeed contain enough iodine to maintain a healthy thyroid under normal conditions, it does not contain enough to block radioactive iodine from being absorbed. Table salt should not be used as a substitute for iodine tablets.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
The thyroid glands of a fetus are most vulnerable (all forms of iodine cross the placenta).
Infants and children under 18-years-old are highly sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of radioactive iodine.
The iodine present in breast milk is not enough to protect a breast-fed infant from radioactive iodine passing readily into the milk. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women who suspect they have been exposed to radiation switch from breastfeeding to formula.
People who already have thyroid problems are also at a higher risk of injury.
Adults over 40 years of age have the lowest risk of developing thyroid cancer or injury after contamination and have a greater chance of experiencing an allergic reaction. They should not take iodine tablets unless a very large does of radioactive iodine is expected and they are told to do so.
WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE PILLS?
Local public health or emergency management officials will alert the public if it is necessary to take iodine tablets or other protective actions. They may also advise the public not to eat certain foods or drink specific beverages until a safe, radiation-free supply can be guaranteed. People should not take iodine tablets unless advised to do so because the risks - see side effects, below - may outweigh the benefits.
HOW MUCH IODINE SHOULD YOU TAKE?
According to the FDA:
Adults - including women who are breastfeeding - should take 130 milligrams of stable iodine.
Children aged 3 to 18 should take 65 milligrams. Children who weigh more than 150 pounds should take the adult dose, regardless of age.
Nursing and non-nursing infants between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 milligrams.
Nursing and non-nursing newborns should take 16 milligrams.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE TABLETS?
Most often a single dose of iodine - which protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours - is all that is needed. Officials may request that the public take a dose of stable iodine every 24 hours for a few days if radioactive iodine will remain in the environment for a prolonged period of time.Pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborns should avoid taking multiple doses.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
When officials advise the public to take iodine pills following a nuclear event, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Taking a higher dose than is recommended will not provide more protection and can cause severe illness or death.
People with thyroid disease should take iodine pills only under a doctor's supervision.
General side effects include intestinal upset, rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands.
With files from Reuters and Agence France-Presse
Source: the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S.
Article by Aileen Donnelly of National Post (adonnelly@nationalpost.com). Mar 14, 2011 - 2:47 PM ET | Last Updated: Mar 14, 2011 5:08 PM ET
Should New Zealand Be Worried About Nuclear Fallout?
Philip Duncan from weatherwatch.co.nz explains how air currents could carry nuclear fallout from Japan if the feared meltdown takes place.
powered by Youtube
Why The Nuclear Plant Exploded
More Videos On Japanese Earthquake- 11th March 2011
Articles: Earthquake Anxiety
- Setbacks Happen On The Road To Recovery
- BY BARRY JOE MCDONAGHHave you ever wondered why people often experience setbacks when they begin to...
- Test Your Anxiety- The 20 Second Countdown
- BY BARRY JOE MCDONAGH Why everywhere you look are top psychologists and doctors still teaching outdat...
- Do you fear the arrival of another panic attack?
- BY BARRY JOE MCDONAGHPeople who have experienced panic attacks often go around with a grave sense of...
Emergency Kit Checklist
Japan Tsunami News
- Japan disaster: Plant workers 'resigned to death'
- Workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant said they were "resigned to death" when the...
- 'Wall of shame' - media slammed for Japan crisis coverage
- Foreign media has copped criticism for some of their coverage of the Japanese disaster from within J...
- Japan: Woman, 80, boy rescued after nine days
- An 80-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy have been rescued from a badly damaged house in Ishinomak...
