RADIATION DISPERSAL FROM JAPAN

Efforts continue in Japan to contain the release of airborne radioactive contamination from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

On March 17, President Obama stated: “We do not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the United States, whether it’s the West Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific. … Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health experts do not recommend that people in the United States take precautionary measures beyond staying informed.” (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/17/remarks-president-situation-japan)

Radiation occurs in many forms at low levels as a part of everyday life, from residual cosmic radiation in the atmosphere to medical applications such as x-rays and CT scans. Taking extraordinary steps to prevent exposure to radiation in the absence of a known risk can create problems of its own. For example, potassium iodine pills can cause intestinal upset, allergic reactions, and other symptoms, and should only be taken on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials, or your doctor.

This page provides information to help workers, employers, and occupational health professionals stay informed about ongoing Federal activities to address the release of airborne contamination from the damaged Japanese power plant. The page will be updated as new information becomes available.

NIOSH is also working jointly with OSHA to provide up-to-date worker protection information. To view OSHA’s page go to http://osha.gov/radiation-japan/index.html.

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