Radiation not imminent threat to Arizona residents

According to a release from the Arizona Department of Health Services, the radiation leaking from nuclear power plants in Japan does not pose a public health threat in Arizona.

The unfolding radiological situation has raised some concern about possible exposure to radiation and prompted questions about the need for potassium iodide or KI in Arizona.

Potassium iodide protects the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine after exposure to high levels of radiation. The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency is continually monitoring radiation levels in state and, at present (March 15, 2011 at 3:00 pm), there are no reports of elevated or above normal readings.

Due to the distance between Japan and Arizona, radiation levels are highly unlikely to rise above normal levels already present in the atmosphere. Consequently, it is not necessary to purchase or take KI.

Local, state and federal agencies always encourage Arizonans to take a proactive interest in their personal and family preparedness. While natural disasters are difficult to predict and impossible to prevent, people can take preemptive measures to help protect their families in a future emergency.

1. Prepare a Plan – Write and rehearse family communication and preparedness plans that identify a family meeting place, account for special needs, and include local emergency numbers and an “out-of-town” contact.

2. Make a Kit – Gather enough to sustain you and your family for at least three days. Suggested kit items include first aid supplies, non-perishable food, drinking water (one gallon/per person/per day), a flashlight, batteries and a radio.

3. Be Informed – Learn about hazards in your community and Arizona by listening to/watching local and national weather and news coverage. You can contact your local emergency management office to learn about readiness planning and preparations.

For more information on the emergency in Japan, including answers to some frequently asked questions, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network website at www.azein.gov.

Radiation releases          
Q.  Will the radiation in Japan affect people in Arizona?
A. The levels of radiation in Arizona resulting from the events in Japan are being monitored by the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency.  Right now, there is no detectable increase in radiation levels in Arizona.  Due to the distance from Japan, future levels are highly unlikely to be above normal radiation levels in the atmosphere.  Therefore, the levels will not impact your health in the short or long term.

Potassium Iodide usage         
Q.  What is Potassium Iodide (KI) and should I take it?
A.  Potassium Iodine (KI) is used to protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine after high levels of radiation exposure.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization recommend the use of KI only when people are exposed to high levels of radiation, such as those who were in the Japanese nuclear power plants when the explosions occurred.  

Q. Should I get KI in case the radiation levels get higher?
A. The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency is monitoring the levels and will notify the public if an increase in radiation is detected.  No health risks due to radiation are anticipated and it is not necessary to have KI on hand.

Radiation effects in U.S.A.         
Q.  I hear the radiation being released is increasing, is there a problem for Arizona?
A.  Currently Units 1, 2, 3, and 4, appear to be releasing some radioactive material.  These releases, while significant near the plant, are not large enough for the Japanese government to evacuate further than 12 miles from the plant.  Any release will be tremendously diluted before it can reach the U.S. mainland.  Several Federal Agencies are tracking the air masses as they move around the world so that samples can be taken to assure the concentrations of any radioactive material is known if it is detectable.  A similar program was in place when several countries were conducting nuclear weapons tests.

Q.  Are there any protective measures that residents in the U.S. should be considering?

A.  No, not given current information.