Every waking day after the Japan earthquake and tsunami, the world is transfixed on the development surrounding the increasing radiation levels seeping through the damage nuclear reactors around the epicentre of the earthquake.
From calm, cautious pronouncements of no leakage to confirmation of increasing radiation levels among exposed workers trying to repair the damage, the situation seemingly has turned for the worse.
As of this writing, the Japan Nuclear Safety and Industrial Agency reported radiation levels of up to 10 million times the norm found in the water inside a reactor at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station. This has prompted the evacuation of workers in order to avoid a catastrophic meltdown at the complex.
Air levels in the surrounding area reportedly have radioactivity levels four times the normal.
Earlier last week, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association, The Endocrine Society, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine made a joint declaration to allay fears of the public regarding radiation exposure.
They advised the public to stay calm and avoid unnecessary hoarding of potassium iodide, a preventive measure to keep radioactive isotopes from reaching the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland can be found in front of the throat. It is responsible for much of the body’s metabolic function. It has a propensity to absorb iodine of whatever form. Exposure to radioactive iodine can lead to its accumulation leading to cancer.
They also advised the public to be vigilant and take potassium iodide only upon doctor’s advise or the order of public health officials.
Radioactive iodine has a half life of eight days and decay naturally within weeks. However, when ingested the toxic materials can accumulate in the human body. Most affected are young people and children once exposed. The joint declaration also highlighted the fact that adults over age 20 years old have negligible risks.
As precautionary measure the United States Food and Drug Administration issued Import Alert 99-33 or better labeled as "Detention Without Physical Examination of Products from Japan Due to Radionuclide Contamination".
More than five-fold increase in radioactive material levels was found among contaminated food around the damaged Japan prefecture.
Importation of food from Japan including seaweed should be in place to protect the public. Seafood are like sponges for these reactive materials. High concentration can be detected for a prolonged period of time.
The Pacific territories of the United States of America are more proximate to Japan. But with their reliance to the catch of local fishermen for food, the risk from such material remains to be properly documented.
Everyone should refrain from instigating panic and spread of rumors that can adversely affect food supply and consumption. The public should await the Health Department for updates soon.
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