# 5436
The World Health Organization has posted a series of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) regarding various aspects of the radiological dangers coming from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
This FAQ is currently divided into 9 sections:
- Current risk
- Ionizing radiation
- Human exposure to ionizing radiation
- Travel advice
- Health effects
- Public health actions
- Personal protective measures
- Food safety
- WHO's response
One of the shorter sections involves the current risk, which I’ve reproduced below. Follow the links to read all of them.
FAQs: Japan nuclear concerns
23 March 2011
Current risk
What is the current risk of radiation-related health problems in Japan for those residing near the reactor in comparison to those in other parts of Japan?
- Radiation-related health consequences will depend on exposure, which is dependant on several things, including: the amount and type of radiation released from the reactor; weather conditions, such as wind and rain; a person’s proximity to the plant; and the amount of time spent in irradiated areas.
- The Government of Japan’s recent actions in response to events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are in line with the existing recommendations for radiation exposure. The Government has evacuated individuals who were living within a 20-kilometre radius around the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Those living between 20 km and 30 km from the plant are being asked to shelter indoors. People living farther away are at lower risk than those who live nearby.
- As and if the situation changes, the Government of Japan may change their advice to the public; WHO is following the situation closely.
In one of the longer sections, on food safety, the following Q&A is included.
What are the potential health effects of consuming contaminated food?
- Consuming food contaminated with radioactive material will increase the amount of radioactivity a person is exposed to and could increase the health risks associated with exposure to radiation. The exact effect will depend on which radionuclides have been ingested and the amount. According to data reported so far, radioactive iodine is the main contaminant and concentrations in some food samples have been detected at levels above the Japanese regulatory limits. Radioactive iodine has a half-life of eight days and decays naturally within weeks. If ingested, it can accumulate in the body, particularly the thyroid gland, increasing the risk of thyroid cancer, particularly in children.
- The ingestion of potassium iodide is an established method to prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid.
- Radioactive caesium has also been detected in some foods. The situation has to be monitored carefully as ingestion of food contaminated with radioactive caesium can also have long-term health effects.
My thanks to Sharon Sanders of FluTrackers for finding and posting these links.
