Vindicated by truth
this hoW PEKAN |
The RM700 million project in Kuantan has drawn opposition from local residents, politicians and environmentalists who are fearful of exposure to radioactive waste from the Australian miner’s rare earth refinery.
Signboard showing the site of the Lynas refinery site in Gebeng, Kuantan. — File pic
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) said the government must reveal the names and qualifications of all the experts to be appointed on the panel and publicise their detailed findings upon completion of the one-month study.
“The public and communities in Kuantan and Gebeng have the right to know who the experts are who would be conducting the study. We need to ascertain the experts’ objectivity and competence on low-level radiation and impacts.
“The findings of the study should also be made public so that it can be verified and open for public comments,” SAM president S.M. Mohamed Idris said in a statement today.
He explained that the Penang-based group’s last experience in handling a similar plant in Bukit Merah, Perak, where experts called in by the government and company had given their assurances that all safety measures would be taken.
But experts engaged by the community, he said, had found the plant unsafe due to the recorded high readings of radiation in the area.
The plant in Bukit Merah has been linked to eight cases of leukaemia, seven resulting in death.
It was shuttered due to public protest over radiation pollution in 1992 but the refinery is still undergoing a cleanup process that is costing over RM300 million.
Horror tales from the Perak plant have fuelled public concern over the latest refinery currently being constructed in the Gebeng Industrial Zone in Pahang by Australian miner Lynas.
The plant is scheduled to commence operations in September.
Bowing to public pressure, the government announced yesterday that an independent review panel would be formed to study the health and safety hazards of the plant.
In making the announcement, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed stressed that until the federal and Pahang state governments decided on the panel’s findings, “no pre-operating licence will be issued to Lynas... no importation into Malaysia of raw materials from Australia.”
In an immediate response, Lynas declared confidence that its operations would begin as planned in September as it was optimistic that the panel would find that the plant would present no health or safety hazards to the public.
“We are concerned that this upcoming study could be a sham to try to allay public concerns. Why not scrap the project now? Why do we need an environmentally unsafe operation?
“Is foreign investment justifiable when measured against public health and public acceptance?” Mohamed said in his statement.
He insisted that the Lynas plant project be scrapped immediately, regardless of the plan to form the panel.
This, he said, was to avoid a repeat of Bukit Merah when the government had already proven to be “erroneous” in how it handled the controversy.
“It is most unfortunate that the community had to and still suffers unnatural deaths and ailments due to the then-government’s indifference and corporate apathy,” he said.
Mohamed added that there was no safe level of radiation as far as a person’s health is concerned, although the law stipulates a fixed level that can be accepted as “permissable”.
He explained that the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 Radiation Protection (Basic Safety Standards Regulations 1988) fixes the annual dose limit for exposure to radiation at 1 milliSievert (mSv) for the general public and 50mSv for workers.
“It must be stressed however that these permissible limits should not be taken to mean as safe limits.
“The public is already exposed to naturally occurring and ionising radiation and do not need extra doses of radiation.
“It should be noted that there is no ‘safe’ level of radiation as far as its effects to health are concerned as whenever there is a dose of radiation there is a biological risk,” he said.
Lynas had expected to receive a preliminary operating licence from regulators Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) by September, which was to be renewed as a full licence within three years should the plant comply with agreed standards.
It is anticipating revenue of RM8 billion a year from 2013 onwards from the rare earth metals that are crucial to the manufacture of high-technology products such as smartphones, hybrid cars and bombs.
3. How has the environment been affected by the Chernobyl accident?
- 3.1 To what extent have urban areas been contaminated?
- 3.2 To what extent have agricultural areas been contaminated?
- 3.3 To what extent have forests been contaminated?
- 3.4 To what extent have water bodies been contaminated?
- 3.5 How did radiation affect plants and animals?
For 10 days following the April 26 explosion, the ruptured Chernobyl reactor continued to release major quantities of radioactive substances, amounting to a total of about 14 EBq. The most significant radioisotopes released wereiodine-131, caesium-137, strontium-90 and plutonium radioisotopes (seetable on radioisotopes released).
More than 200 000 km2 of Europe were contaminated above the level of 37kBq/m2 of caesium-137 1 . Over 70 % of this area lies in the three most affected countries, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine though the radioactive material was distributed unevenly. For example, radioactive deposits were larger in areas where it was raining when the contaminated air masses passed. Also, because radioactive strontium and plutonium particles are heavier than many other radioactive particles, they were deposited within 100 km of the destroyed reactor.
The half-life of radioactive material is the time taken for half the amount initially present to decay. Because many of the most significant radioisotopes have short half-lives in the range of hours or days, most have decayed away by now. For the decades to come, the most important pollutant will becaesium-137 followed by strontium-90. Plutonium and its decay products (in particular americium-241) will remain in the environment over a longer term of hundreds to thousands of years though at low levels (see half-lives of radioisotopes emitted during the Chernobyl accident). More...
Chances are you are exposed to indoor air pollution in the house where you live or the building where you work.
When was the last time you were exposed to fresh paint, new carpets, a copier or laser printer?
What about cleaning products, nail polish remover or other solvents?
How about a big flat-screen TV, which can give off an odor of slowly cooking plastic?
Let's face it: these things aren't making the air we breathe any cleaner or safer.
Many of the products we use everyday are giving off toxins that we then breathe in, or absorb through our skin.
With 90 percent of time spent indoors, there is a good chance that indoor air pollution impacts your health, for the worse.
In fact, if the building in which you live, work or study in is a sick building, it could very well be making you sick too.
And you probably don't even realize what is making you ill.
Do you experience:
- Eye or ear irritation?
- Stuffy nose?
- Headache?
- Chest tightness?
- Impaired memory or concentration?
- Dizzyness?
- Nausea?
- Itching?
- Skin rash?
- Shortness of breath?
These are just some of the symptoms of sick building syndrome that I outline in my bookPower Healing.
The source of the toxic indoor air is discovered in about a quarter of the cases, but in most cases, no single source of environmental exposure can be identified.
Of course if you or neighbors have a wood stove or fireplace, you can easily smell the source. Learn the results of a fascinating new study on indoor air pollution: Air Filters Cut Heart Risks from Pollution
A survey of 9,000 office workers in Europe found that 50 to 80 percent of them had symptoms typical of sick building syndrome.
In the U.S. it is estimated that up to 25 million workers have building related illness at any given time.
What are the main sources of toxins?
The first category is volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
VOC's are gases that come from:
- paint
- adhesives
- solvents
- cleaning solutions
- carpeting
- building materials
- copy machines
- laser printers
- and many other products
Exposure to VOC's can cause headache, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Samples of air from buildings with sick building syndrome and without have established the connection between VOC's and illness.
And any exposure to tobacco smoke is hazardous to your health. If you or anyone you know smokes, get the help you need to quit.
While the problem of sick building syndrome has gotten more attention recently, it has been a recognized health issue for many years.
In 1998 the groundbreaking book Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes, Second Edition was published, which examined in great detail the vast amount of symptoms and illnesses caused by toxic exposures. This important book was written by Nicholas A. Ashford Ph.D., J.D., Professor of Technology and Policy at MIT and Claudia Miller, M.D., M.S., Professor in Environmental and Occupational Medicine the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
When Ashford and Miller wrote their book, sick building syndrome was commonly called tight building syndrome, which came from the effort to insulate and seal buildings for energy conservation.
Old buildings got tightened with storm windows and sealer, while new buildings went up without any opening windows at all. These steps effectively reduced the amount of fresh air that is brought into buildings.
The authors conclude: "Increased sources of indoor air pollution, coupled with decreased fresh make-up air, have transformed the indoor environment." (Chemical Exposures, page 17)
Groups with Chemical Exposure Sensitivity.
Tighter buildings, along with the rise in synthetic chemicals and consumer products, has led to people having trouble with low levels of exposure, according to Ashford and Miller, who observe that the types of people affected are remarkably diverse:
1. Industrial Workers 2. Office workers, school children and others who occupy "Tight Buildings" 3. People living where air or water are contaminated by chemicals 4. People with exposure to chemicals in pesticides, indoor air, consumer products, and drugs. (Chemical Exposures, page 3) From hard-hat wearing industrial workers, to school children, and from office workers to farmers exposed to pesticides, these groups seem to have little in common.
Yet people from each of these groups have been identified as having trouble handling chemical exposures after experiencing such exposures in the past.
Mold and Asthma.
Mold is an all-too-familiar indoor air pollution problem for many people. While it is no surprise that mold overgrowth is common in damp places such as basements, mold can also grow in unlikely spots, such as the air ducts in office buildings.
Researchers from the School of Medicine at Cardiff University in Wales studied the connection between indoor mold and asthma symptoms. In a study funded by Asthma UK, they discovered that symptoms of asthma improved when indoor areas were cleaned to remove mold, and ventilation was improved by the use of fans.
Dr. Michael Burr, of the School of Medicine, explained: "In the houses where mold was removed, the symptoms of asthma improved and the use of inhalers decreased ... Removing mold also led to improvements in other symptoms: sneezing, runny or blocked noses, and itchy-watery eyes."
Break the Mold.
The U.S. EPA provides the following for controlling mold:
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Check out the EPA's "10 Things You Should Know About Mold".
Ideas for Limiting Exposure.
Here are a few quick ideas for reducing exposures from common sources of indoor air pollution.
Paint For your home or office, look for non-VOC paint. Stick with white, because adding a color can add VOC's.
Laser Printers and Laser Copy Machines Use an inkjet printer or copier instead. There should be no odor when using these types of machines.
Household Cleaning Products Use all natural and non-toxic cleaning products. I use baking soda and water for most cleaning, and vinegar diluted with water for windows, mirrors and glass.
New Clothing Wash new clothes well before wearing, to soak out some of the dyes and bleach used in manufacturing. Avoid scented laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheet products; these increase your exposure to chemicals. Get unscented laundry detergent instead.
Stale Indoor Air With airtight buildings and homes, toxins can build up. Get outside for some fresh air from time to time.
And don't forget about keeping your pets safe from hazards in the home: Are Pills Poisoning Your Pet?
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Do you suffer from any indoor air pollution?
What symptoms do you experience?
How do you deal with the problem?
Please let us know your thoughts by posting a comment below.
Best Health,
Leo Galland, M.D.
Important: Clear the Air with your friends and family by forwarding this article to them, and sharing on Facebook.
Leo Galland, M.D. is a board-certified internist, author and internationally recognized leader in integrated medicine. Dr. Galland is the founder of Pill Advised, a web application for learning about medications, supplements and food. Sign up for FREE to discover how your medications and vitamins interact. Watch his videos on YouTube and join the Pill Advised Facebook page.
References and Further Reading:
Power Healing: Use the New Integrated Medicine to Cure Yourself. Leo Galland, 384 pages, Random House, (June 1, 1998)
Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes, Second Edition, Nicholas A. Ashford, Claudia S. Miller, 464 pages, Wiley-Interscience; 2 edition (January 8, 1998)
Thorax. 2007 Sep;62(9):767-72. Epub 2007 Mar 27. Full text: "Effects on patients with asthma of eradicating visible indoor mould: a randomised controlled trial."
Burr ML, Matthews IP, Arthur RA, Watson HL, Gregory CJ, Dunstan FD, Palmer SR, Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Public Health, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
The study was funded by the charity Asthma UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Wales Office of Research and Development.
U.S. EPA Website: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute (i) medical advice or counseling, (ii) the practice of medicine or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, (iii) or the creation of a physician -- patient relationship. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your doctor promptly.
Written in collaboration with Sophie Turrell, Praveen Pendyala, Katherine Warren, and Laura Macherelli
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck Japan, causing a devastating tsunami that tore through the coastal regions and leveled the villages in its path. The earthquake also severely damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant, sparking explosions and the release of radioactive material. This event is the world's worst nuclear accident in 25 years, rated by the International Atomic Energy Agency to be a level 7 out of 7 in severity -- on par with the Chernobyl accident in 1986.
Recent reports suggest that leaks from the reactor's core may be extremely dangerous, not only threatening workers there but also contaminating the facility and surrounding community on the longer term. Radioactive material leaking into the ocean (7.5 million times the legal amount of iodine-131 and 1.1 million times for radioactive cesium near the facility) has sparked concerns about the effects on fish and other sea life in the vicinity as well as the spreading of radiation to distant shores. As Japanese engineers, scientists, and firefighters work to control the continuing crisis at the vulnerable Fukushima plant -- efforts that are hindered by strong aftershock earthquakes -- fears about the scope of this nuclear disaster and the radiation's health effects continue to spread. While experts underscore that there are no health risks to the United States, radiation continues to enter the environment in the vicinity and has spread to other regions as well.
Radioactive elements have been escaping from the Fukushima plant in the form of gas emissions as well as contaminants in the seawater that emergency workers have been using to cool the reactor's overheating fuel rods. These elements can travel beyond the vicinity of the plant in a several ways.
First, the particles released as gases into the atmosphere can be blown by winds and other weather patterns to far-off locations. This is the "radioactive plume" that is responsible for the small amounts of radioactive iodine-131 detected in scientific stations in air or rainwater samples as far away as California, Colorado, Washington State, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, and North and South Carolina. Trace amounts of iodine that have been found in milk in San Luis Obispo, California and in Washington State, for example, are increasing the fear of widespread radiation contamination, but the amounts that have been detected so far are 5,000 times lower than the amount that would trigger FDA restrictions. For people living in America, these miniscule levels of radiation pose no health risk or threat to water and food supplies at this time, and there is no need to take any action right now. However, monitoring of radiation levels must continue. Samples are being collected in more than 100 sites in the United States that are part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Radiation Network Monitoring System.
In Japan, the particles in the air near the plant are more concentrated. They can settle to the ground or enter clouds and be returned to earth in the rain, which can coat plants that animals eat or that are produced as food for humans. Radioactive particles from the nuclear facility can also be absorbed by the soil, contaminating groundwater that feeds plant life, agriculture, and drinking water supplies, as well as be washed out to the ocean, where it may affect sea life. Radioactive groundwater underneath the reactor has been measured at 10,000 times the government health standard. In addition, high levels of cesium-137 have been found in one village 25 miles away from the power plant (outside of the initial 20 kilometer evacuation zone). The Japanese authorities are extending the evacuation zone to 30 kilometers from the plant in some areas. The U.S. government has advised citizens who are living in a 50-mile radius from the plant to evacuate or shelter in place.
These events have not just affected the area within the evacuation zone but have contaminated some of the water and food supply for people living in other areas of Japan, including Tokyo. The city first reported a spike of radioactive iodine in its water supply on March 23, 2011 at levels below the limit for adults but above the threshold of safety for infants; since then, iodine levels in Tokyo's water have declined below both thresholds. Above-limit levels of radioactive iodine and cesium have also been found in milk and vegetables in seven prefectures in Japan. These amounts, however, may not have significant health effects; a year's consumption of these foods would give a dose of radiation equivalent to or smaller than a CT scan.
Nevertheless, several nations have begun testing or suspending imports of dairy, fruits and vegetables, dry tea, artificial flavoring compounds, seafood, and meat from the areas at risk of radiation contamination in Japan, including Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and the U.S. (which has banned imports of dairy products and fruit and vegetables from Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma and Ibaraki).
Furthermore, high levels of radiation leaking into the seawater around the plant have sparked concern about fish and other sea life for consumption. Low levels of radiation have been found in fish caught in waters near the plant. But because Japan is not a major food exporter -- for example, food imports from Japan make up less than 4 percent of all food imported to the U.S. -- significant amounts of radiation are not likely to enter the U.S. food supply chain. However, more evidence must be gathered to determine the effects of radiation on Japan's seafood. What is Radiation and How Much of it is Harmful?
Radiation is energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. Ionizing radiation describes waves or particles that have enough energy to remove electrons from other atoms, thus creating chemically reactive ions (charged atoms) that can damage cells.
In the Fukushima plant, several types of radioactive particles have been released into the air. Chief among these are iodine-131, cesium-137, plutonium-239, and strontium-90, each of which decays at a different rate and can have various effects on the body. Iodine-131 has a half-life of 8 days - meaning that it is half as radioactive after 8 days, thus making its effects relatively short-lived. Exposure to iodine-131 can cause thyroid cancer. With half-lives of 30 and 29 years, respectively, cesium-137 and strontium-90 both stay in the environment for longer periods of time. Cesium-137 can travel through the food chain in milk or vegetables and can increase the risk of various cancers; strontium-90 is absorbed into bones and teeth and can increase the risk of leukemia or bone cancer. Plutonium-239 is toxic if inhaled.
Though the word "radiation" sounds menacing, in fact humans are exposed to naturally occurring radiation every day from the sun, cosmic rays, the soil, and other sources. People are exposed on average to 3 mSv (milli-sieverts, or one-thousandth of a sievert) per year. A sievert is the most common unit by which scientists measure the biological risk of radiation exposure, because it takes into account both the amount of radiation absorbed (measured in Gy (Gray) or rad (radiation absorbed dose)) as well as the intensity of ionization in the affected living cells.
Many commonly used medical procedures contribute to a person's average radiation exposure. To get a sense of the magnitude of 3 mSv, consider this: a typical mammogram delivers 0.13 mSv per test; a chest x-ray delivers 0.1 mSv; and a routine dental x-ray delivers 0.04 to 0.15 mSv. Individually, these are minimal exposures; however, medical professionals must take care to limit their exposures (e.g. by walking out of the room) over the course of testing many patients everyday. The health effects of radiation are cumulative, so higher doses at one time, or lower doses delivered over longer periods of time, can compromise human health.
What is considered a harmful dose of radiation? Estimates vary depending on the duration and strength of the exposure. Below is a chart produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on health effects and exposure. Depending on the strength of the radiation, an exposed person may also experience burns or other symptoms of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). A one-time dose of 4 sieverts or more can be fatal.
To protect the health of nuclear power plant workers, the Japanese government has set 250 mSv as the maximum amount of exposure to radiation at any one time. Estimates of the radiation emitted by the Fukushima plant in Japan have ranged from a high of 1,000 mSv per hour (1 Sv per hour) inside the plant to 400 mSv per hour, 11.9 mSv per hour, and below , with levels dropping off sharply the farther away from the plant they are measured. So far, several people working to contain the damage from the nuclear plant to bring the situation under control have been exposed to high levels of radiation, including a few who were hospitalized after stepping in puddles of water at the facility that contained highly concentrated levels of radiation. Several people are currently hospitalized.
The Health Effects of Radiation Exposure A person may be exposed to elevated levels of radiation by breathing in radioactive particles, ingesting them through exposed food or drink, or coming into close bodily contact with a source of radiation.
Different types of radiation will produce different health effects, based on the half-life of the particle (how long it takes to lose half its radioactivity, a measure of how fast it degrades) and the way it interacts with the body. Iodine-131, plutonium-239, cesium-137, and strontium-90 are the four most harmful radioactive elements involved in the Japanese nuclear disaster, with half-lives of 8 days, 24,000 years, 30 years, and 29 years, respectively. With the exception of iodine-131 which has a short half life, whatever amounts of these other elements are released are likely to stay in the environment and pose a threat to human, plant, and animal life for several years to come. Cesium-137 can deposit itself in milk and vegetables, increasing the risk of several forms of cancer for those that ingest enough of significantly contaminated foods.
Exposure to high doses of radiation can lead to a broad range of acute health problems which are usually only experienced by individuals close to the source of radiation such as reactor workers. One of the possible acute effects of exposure to high levels of radiation over a small period of time is Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or radiation sickness. For an exposed individual to develop ARS, the radiation must be penetrating and cover the whole body. The radiation doses that lead to ARS hover around 1 sievert -- about 300 times the average annual dose (3 millisieverts) of background radiation. ARS is associated with damage to the bone marrow, and at higher doses (>10Sv) other organs may be affected.
Symptoms of ARS include nausea, weakness, diarrhea, headaches, fever, hair loss, skin damage, diminished organ functions and possible seizures and coma. Following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, approximately 134 plant workers and firefighters received doses of 700 to 13,400 mSv and developed ARS. Of the 134 ARS patients, 28 died. Exposure to high levels of gamma radiation in particular can contribute to a broad range of acute health effects. For example, gamma doses of 2Gy, 10Gy and 20Gy can lead to hemopoietic syndrome, gastrointestinal syndrome and central nervous system problems, respectively. Other acute health problems that can result from high exposure to radiation include premature aging, male sterility, birth defects, and possible death.
Long-term, low dose exposure to radiation can lead to the development of chronic health conditions including cancer. Chronic exposure to radiation increases cancer risk by disrupting the control process of repairing damaged tissue, permitting uncontrolled cell growth and inhibiting apoptosis. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster significantly increased rates of leukemia, thyroid cancer and bone cancer among children in the vicinity of the reactor. Fetuses especially 2-15 weeks following conception are highly susceptible to teratogenic mutations following long term, low dose exposure to radiation. These mutations can lead to smaller head or brain size, poorly formed eyes, abnormally slow growth and mental retardation.
Pregnancy and Radiation Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to radiation. Because children are developing, their bodies experience more cell division and therefore are more vulnerable to disruptions in the normal cell growth process, making them more sensitive to the effects of radiation as compared to adults. Fetuses, in even more critical stages of development, are highly sensitive as well, with results dependent on the organ systems that are developing at the time of exposure.
The consequences through direct gamma radiation, ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin can be severe even if the mother does not suffer from radiation sickness. During the first two weeks of pregnancy, exposure to radiation can lead to death. Between 2 and 15 weeks, a dose that is the equivalent of about 500 chest X-rays would increase the risk of birth defects or neurological damage in the fetus. Levels below this would lead to a slightly higher risk of having cancer later in life. After the 16th week of gestation, the radiation is unlikely to produce the same cognitive or physical defects unless the radiation is a dose of the equivalent of 5000 chest X-rays or more. After 26 weeks, the fetus as sensitive to radiation as a newborn. Pregnant women who have been exposed to radiation should take potassium iodide pills when instructed by authorities because their thyroid glands accumulate radioactive iodine at a higher rate than other adults, which can then be passed on to the fetus.
Mental Health Effects
People involved in situations where radiation exposure is a threat typically experience high levels of stress and anxiety. The uncertainty of radiations' physical and environmental effects can cause fear and confusion about its impact on health as well as on the safety and quality of the food and water supply. Peoples' worries are exacerbated by the fact that radiation cannot be detected by the human senses of taste, smell, or sight. Persons displaced by radiation in their community must also cope with having to relocate, the loss of economic stability, and the possibility of long-term health problems, all of which may contribute to post-traumatic stress and depression, among other emotional consequences.
Following the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, people reported debilitating feelings of helplessness and lack of control over their future. They suffered psychological effects including depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders that were painful and debilitating. In addition, some people were stigmatized, shunned by their non-exposed neighbors for fear of radiation contamination. Those people affected by nuclear accidents may carry the burden of mental health disorders for years to come.
The mental health effects of nuclear disasters can impact distant shores with people experiencing fears about the safety of their food and water supply as well as long term health effects. This is why trustworthy health information should be communicated to the public about the risks or lack of them.
Treatment for Radiation Exposure
There are several therapeutic interventions available to reduce the effects of radiation exposure. Experimental treatments are also being studied. The most common therapy is potassium iodide (KI), which can be administered shortly before or up to 24 hours after radiation exposure. By keeping iodine levels in the thyroid at a proper balance and blocking the uptake of the radioactive iodine isotope, potassium iodide is the first line of protection against thyroid cancer caused by radioactive iodine-131 inhalation. A single dose of KI protects the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine for 24 hours, but is ineffective if radioactive iodine has already entered the thyroid gland. If radioactive iodine is in the environment for more than 24 hours, local emergency management or public health officials may instruct people to take one prophylactic dose of KI every 24 hours for a few days. KI's side effects can include stomach upsets, allergic reactions, and a rare inflammation of the salivary gland. The use of KI is not recommended for everyone. Since the nuclear disaster in Japan, there has been an increase in the purchase of seaweed, a source of natural iodine, in U.S. health food stores. However, because seaweed can also absorb radioactive iodine, scientists caution against eating large amounts of it.
For people who have been internally contaminated with radioactive cesium and nonradioactive thallium, a substance called Prussian blue absorbs cesium-137 and thallium into the intestines in order to speed removal from the body. Side effects of this treatment include stomach upsets as well as constipation . In an effort to develop new ways to prevent the toxic effects of acute radiation exposure, the US Department of Defense (DOD) is supporting research, through its Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), on the effectiveness of nanotechnology approaches to treating radiation exposure. , Another substance being studied is CBLB502, a medicine that suppresses cell death and damage while inducing regeneration, making it potentially useful in reducing the negative effects of cancer radiation therapy or for promoting recovery after a nuclear accident or disaster. CBLB502 has shown promising results in preventing radiation damage in animal models.
Since the nuclear disaster in Japan has not yet been resolved, the scope and impact of health effects on the population in that country and in other nations may not be known for some time.
What You Can Do: Be Prepared in Case of an Emergency
How can you protect yourself in the event of a nuclear disaster?
● Be informed by obtaining accurate and authoritative information (i.e., information from government authorities delivered by radio, TV or the Internet) and follow instructions given by government officials.
● The decision to take potassium iodide tablets should be based on information provided by national health authorities who will be in the best position to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant its use after a nuclear disaster. - KI only protects the thyroid gland and does not provide protection from any other radiation exposure. - Some people are allergic to iodine and should not take KI. Check with your doctor about any concerns you have about using this substance. When people are advised to stay indoors, what does this mean?
● When a radiological or nuclear event occurs, public health authorities may instruct residents in the affected areas to stay indoors rather than to evacuate. People may be advised to take shelter at home, at work, or in specific public spaces.
● If advised to stay indoors, people should find the safest room in their house or office building that has no windows or doors. Ventilation systems, such as heating and cooling systems, should be turned off.
● Shelter provides protection from both external and internal radiation exposure, as well as from inhalation of radioactive material.
● Taking shelter is a simple and protective action that can be implemented promptly during the early phase of an incident.
For Individuals:
• Be alert to any symptoms (fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.) and get help if you think you are suffering from acute or chronic radiation exposure.
• Develop an emergency plan for your family, including having supplies at home such as food and prescription medications. Ensure that every family member knows what to do in case of an emergency.
• At home, put together a preparedness kit that would be appropriate for any emergency. The kit should include the following items at a minimum: - A flashlight with extra batteries - A portable radio with extra batteries - Bottled water - Canned and packaged food - A hand-operated can opener - A first-aid kit and essential prescription medications - Personal items such as paper towels, garbage bags, and toilet paper
• During and after a release of radioactive materials, local, state and federal authorities will monitor the levels of radiation and determine what protective actions to take.
• The most appropriate action will depend on the situation. Tune to the local emergency response network or news station for information and instructions during any emergency.
• Check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency.
• If a radiation emergency involves the release of large amounts of radioactive materials, you may be advised to "shelter in place," which means to stay in your home or office; or you may be advised to move to another location.
• If you are advised to shelter in place, you should do the following: - Close and lock all doors and windows. - Turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Only use units that recirculate air that is already in the building. - Close fireplace dampers. - If possible, bring pets inside. - Move to an inner room or basement. - Keep your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news to find out what else you need to do.
• If you are advised to evacuate, follow the directions that your local officials provide. Leave the area as quickly and orderly as possible. In addition - - Take a flashlight, portable radio, batteries, first-aid kit, supply of sealed food and water, hand-operated can opener, essential medicines, extra clothes and cash and credit cards. - Take pets only if you are using your own vehicle and going to a place you know will accept animals. Emergency vehicles and shelters usually will not accept animals. For Businesses and Communities:
• Businesses and communities should be prepared, especially those within a 20 mile radius of nuclear power plants.
• Develop preparedness plans as you would for other public health emergencies.
• Provide current and updated health information for your employees.
• Participate in and promote public health programs in your state and community.
• Implement actions recommended by public health officials and health care providers.
For Governments:
• Strengthen both national and global public health infrastructure to respond to a nuclear disaster.
• Develop coordinated strategies for communication and response that cross sectors, agencies, and countries.
• Ensure that potassium iodide is part of the national stockpile of medical supplies and that it is provided to communities within a twenty mile radius of nuclear power plants in case of a nuclear accident or disaster.
Stay Informed---Helpful Internet Resources on Radiation and Health Include:
• World Health Organization (WHO) FAQs and Report on the Current Situation in Japan
• CDC resources on radiation emergencies
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission Recommendations
• Ready.gov
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Emergency Management
*Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A. (ret.) is the Public Health Editor of the Huffington Post. She is also the Director of the Health and Medicine Program at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C., a Clinical Professor at Georgetown and Tufts University Schools of Medicine, Chair of the Global Health Program at the Meridian International Center, and Senior Policy and Medical Advisor at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Dr. Blumenthal served for more than 20 years in senior health leadership positions in the Federal government in the Administrations of four U.S. Presidents, including as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States, the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of Women's Health, as a White House Advisor on Health, and as Chief of the Behavioral Medicine and Basic Prevention Research Branch at the National Institutes of Health. Admiral Blumenthal has received numerous awards including honorary doctorates and has been decorated with the highest medals of the US Public Health Service for her pioneering leadership and significant contributions to advancing health in the United States and worldwide. She is the recipient of the 2009 Health Leader of the Year Award from the Commissioned Officers Association. Admiral Blumenthal was recently named a 2010 Rock Star of Science.
Sophie Turrell, a recent graduate of Yale University, is a Health Policy Research Associate at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C.
Praveen Pendyala, a recent graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, serves as a Health Policy Fellow at the Center for the Study of Presidency and Congress in Washington D.C.
Katherine Warren, a student at Harvard University, serves as a Health Policy Intern at the Center for the Study of Presidency and Congress in Washington D.C.
Laura Macherelli, a student at the University of Maryland, serves as a Health Policy Intern at the Center for the Study of Presidency and Congress in Washington D.C.
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