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All eyes have been on Japan as residents struggle to recover from the earthquake and tsunami. Fears of nuclear radiation leaks persist, raising questions and concerns whether radiation will reach the U.S. and how much of a potential danger it would pose.
Radiation 101
There are two types of radiation. Non-ionizing radiation is emitted as sound waves, microwaves, or visible light. Ionizing radiation is high energy, high frequency, short wave length radiation. We use it, for example, to generate electrical power or kill cancer cells.
Every day, we're exposed to small amounts of radiation. Eighty percent comes from natural sources-the sun or soil. The other 20 percent comes from manmade radiation, primarily medical x-rays. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that, on average, we're exposed to 3/10 of a REM, which measures a dose of radiation, per year. As a point of reference, a chest x-ray produces 1/10 of a REM.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says doses less than 10 REMs over time are not a health concern. However, radiation doses do accumulate. Prolonged exposure, or intense, short-term exposure, can cause mild to severe damage. Radiation damages rapidly dividing cells and, in the long term, can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer, thyroid, and other diseases. A large dose of radiation usually causes death within a few days.
The United States continually measures the radiation in the environment. To date, they assure us that any radiation from Japan will dilute as it travels across the ocean, posing no risk of harm in the U.S.
Protecting Yourself from Radiation
The best way to protect your family is to be prepared to evacuate or to shelter in place in the event of a nuclear emergency. To shelter in place, plan to stay in an internal room with adequate supplies: water (one gallon per day per person), food (select food with a long shelf life), and other basic necessities, such as medicines, batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, toiletries, and cell phone. You'll need provisions for your pets, including a place for them to relieve themselves, and duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting to seal your house or room from outdoor air. Fortunately, radioactive material dissipates quickly, so sheltering in place for a few days may protect you.
You may wonder if you should take potassium iodide. This only protects the thyroid by blocking the absorption of radiation; it does not protect you from other radiation-induced health problems. Iodine pills can be risky and experts don't recommend them unless the emergency involves the release of radioactive iodine.
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Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency. "Radiation: Non-Ionizing and Ionizing." Web. 15 March 2011.
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
Centers for Disease Control. "Shelter-in-Place in a Radiation Emergency." Web. 10 May 2006.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/shelter.asp
Centers for Disease Control. "Frequently Asked Questions about a Radiation Emergency." Web. 10 May 2006.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/emergencyfaq.asp
Centers for Disease Control. "Measuring Radiation." Web. 10 May 2006.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/measurement.asp
Centers for Disease Control. "Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): A Fact Sheet for the Public." Web. 10 May 2006.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ars.asp
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Chustecka, Zosia. "Radiation From Japan's Nuclear Plant Now Poses Health Risk." Medscape Medical News. Web. 15 May 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/738998
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