Understanding the Radiation Risk

As I read the news about the radiation plumes coming from the Japanese nuclear reactors I am having flashbacks from when I was a young mother in 1986 and the Chernobyl disaster occurred.  It didn't matter how much reassurance I got from the "government officials"; it could not quell my panic for my child.  I would like to tell you how I finally dealt with my sense of dread and perhaps it might help you deal with any anxiety that you feel as the radiation plume reaches the United States.  Obviously, anything that happens here pales compared to what is happening in Japan.  But humans will worry about their own safety even though they can have empathy for others who have it so much worse.  What I would suggest is learn the science of the disaster so that you can do your own analysis of the situation and understand what your own threat is.

Here is what I have learned and I will give you my references so that you can read them yourselves.  One of the main byproducts of nuclear plants is iodine 131.  As long as there are leaks this is released and will continue to form a plume that goes into the atmosphere.  Its half life is 5 hours to 7 days.  It is anticipated that the radioactive plume will reach Southern California (where I live) late Friday, March 18. (Path of Radiation Plume)  The combination of the amount of time it takes to cross the Pacific and the relative short half life of the radioactive iodine decreases its radioactivity before it reaches the United States. Therefore, the  experts are able to say that although there will be measurable radioactivity, there is little risk for the United States.  They are also basing this on an analysis of what happened in Chernobyl in 1986.
But if you look carefully at the the data from Chernobyl, there was a group that was at higher risk than the others:   the children.  Now, don't panic because if you understand what put them at risk you will understand that this situation for American children is not comparable.  Thyroid radiation, which seems to have been the biggest problem, was as a result of drinking fresh cow's milk.  This is primarily because the cows grazed on fields where there was radioactive fallout.  It seems that radioactive iodine concentrates in cow's milk (and breast milk). There was a much lesser problem from eating contaminated fresh vegetables.  In 1986, although unnecessary because the cows that produced the milk that my child was drinking were not eating grass where there was radioactive fallout, I felt better by giving my child powdered milk.  (She however, wasn't happy - she didn't like the taste.)  After a week or so, I switched back to fresh milk as my rational self took over.  I remembered that I was the one with the problem (my anxiety) and the milk was fine.  Going back to the idea of radioactive decay;  canned food and grain products that had been stored for weeks or months after the leak pose no risk because the radiation decayed.

Because of our distance from Japan, the cows will not be eating contaminated feeds.  Our food sources should be fine.  Many people have bought and want to give their families KI (potassium iodine.)  KI prophylaxis works, but should only be used by people who have truly been exposed to large amounts of radiation or who are going to be.  Don't give your children KI.  "There is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in the United States" (1)  KI, among other things, can cause hypothyroidism, and this is more of a risk in children because of improper dosing.  If it makes you feel better, use iodized salt.

Looking at the data, unless something unforeseen happens, we are not at risk from this disaster.  So instead of worrying about how this might affect you, put effort into disaster preparedness where you live.  Because where ever that is, there is something worth preparing for!

1.  Public Health Advisory County of Los Angeles March 15, 2011

2.  Guidance  Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies
US Dept of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Admin, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Dec 2001 Procedural

3.  POLICY STATEMENT

Radiation Disasters and Children

Committee on Environmental Health

A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on May 1, 2007.

PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 6 June 2003, pp. 1455-1466

Got Help to Give?

The American people are incredibly generous and whenever there is a major event we are always ready to lend a hand.  For international events like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, if you are looking for a place to donate money  may I suggest Doctors Without Borders.  This organization helps people in natural disasters and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.  For more information and to donate see: www.doctorswithoutborders.org  Also, you can wait as the Japanese sort out and analyze what they have lost and require immediately.  Having done some medical disaster work, I know it takes time to figure out what the status is, and also there will be even greater needs in the weeks and months to come. So, it is okay to pause but don't forget your impulse to help and see what you can do in the weeks to come.

While you are waiting to see what you can do on an international front, why not take this weekend to prepare your own home?  How many of you on the West coast have your earthquake supplies together?  Mine sit in a big metal (not very aesthetic) trashcan in the backyard.   What I will be doing is going through that can and updating the food.  It's kind of old.  I'd eat it, but I wouldn't be happy.
Medical kits are also an important part of emergency supplies.  Although I have access to the stuff in a doctor's office, I found I never got around to putting together a kit.  I found a group that has done it in a compact way and I bought theirs.  I have a variety of different ones:  one that I keep in my earthquake kit, a small one for small trips and a bigger one for bigger trips.  The trick is that when you use something from the kit, you need to replace it at the end of the trip IMMEDIATELY.  Otherwise, on the next trip it won't be there.  And you NEVER, NEVER, NEVER,  borrow from the emergency kit.  And finally, these kits do not have children supplies.  So as soon as you get them you must supplement them with appropriate children medication and doses, as well as any special needs you have. I have gotten kits from these two companies, http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/, www.chinookmed.com, but you can find them in many outdoor stores as well.

Finally, do you have any housewarming gifts to buy, or are you going to a baby shower in the near future?  I give atypical gifts.  I buy medical kits, or earthquake supplies for people for their new homes.  I get baby proofing stuff instead of "pink party dresses" for their new babies.  Hopefully, the gifts I give will never be used!