This is the start of this blog on Radiation Alerts. Our main site is www.radiationalerts.org and other blogs to see and add to are www.oldreactors.blogspot.com and www.gdrorg.blogspot.com. our parent site which is mostly dedicated to research in ways to neutralize or deactivate radiation is www.gdr.org. That site was up in 2000 and a few years ago was warning of nuclear melt downs from growing earthquakes.
Help support this site, and the parent site by buying Geiger counters, gas mask, potassium and more at the main site, gdr.org or at Geiger Counters
For
Red Eagle
8 comments:
The radioactive material is circling the world on jet streams in the stratosphere, which extends about 30 miles above the earth’s surface, and it can be dragged back down to earth by storms, especially after becoming attached to dust or other heavier materials.
In response to the elevated levels of the material in rainwater, the EPA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration say they are increasing monitoring for the material in drinking water and dairy products. The material accumulates in milk after being ingested by cows.
The Dairy Council of California referred questions to the federal government.
“Our testing is in very preliminary stages and isn’t complete yet,” FDA spokeswoman Siobhan DeLancey said in an email. “Test results that we have received from states have not indicated any uptick or hazards.”
Hirsh criticized the federal government for taking several weeks to determine iodine-131 levels in rainwater, drinking water and milk on the West Coast.
“Instead we get assurances before we get data, and the data takes weeks — if it comes out at all,” Hirsh said.
Jet streams carry material from Japan to the West Coast; the Japanese government used them to carry bombs attached to balloons to the U.S. during World War II.
If drinking water and dairy testing had been conducted earlier, and if the results had showed dangerous levels of iodine-131, residents would have known to take potassium iodide pills and stop drinking milk, Hirsh said. Dairy farmers would have known to switch to stored grain as a feedstock instead of allowing their cattle to graze on contaminated grass.
As the nuclear crisis unfolded in Japan, U.S. health officials urged the public not to take potassium iodide.
Spokesmen for the East Bay Municipal Utility District and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which provide much of the drinking water in the Bay Area, said Tuesday that they had not been advised by the federal or state governments to conduct testing for iodine-131 in their reservoirs.
EPA air monitoring stations, meanwhile, continue to detect radioactive material that has blown across the Pacific from Japan.
“There is no health concern from the radiation readings” detected by air monitors, Bandrowski said.
Source: The Bay Citizen (http://s.tt/12bQI)
Jeff McMahon
Forbes
April 10, 2011
Radiation from Japan has been detected in drinking water in 13 more American cities, and cesium-137 has been found in American milk—in Montpelier, Vermont—for the first time since the Japan nuclear disaster began, according to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency late Friday.
Milk samples from Phoenix and Los Angeles contained iodine-131 at levels roughly equal to the maximum contaminant level permitted by EPA, the data shows. The Phoenix sample contained 3.2 picoCuries per liter of iodine-131. The Los Angeles sample contained 2.9. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 3.0, but this is a conservative standarddesigned to minimize exposure over a lifetime, so EPA does not consider these levels to pose a health threat.
The cesium-137 found in milk in Vermont is the first cesium detected in milk since the Fukushima-Daichi nuclear accident occurred last month. The sample contained 1.9 picoCuries per liter of cesium-137, which falls under the same 3.0 standard.
Radioactive isotopes accumulate in milk after they spread through the atmosphere, fall to earth in rain or dust, and settle on vegetation, where they are ingested by grazing cattle. Iodine-131 is known to accumulate in the thyroid gland, where it can cause cancer and other thyroid diseases. Cesium-137 accumulates in the body’s soft tissues, where it increases risk of cancer, according to EPA.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 1
* You should only take potassium iodide (KI) on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials, or your doctor.
* There are health risks associated with taking KI.
What is Potassium Iodide (KI)?
Potassium iodide (also called KI) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine. Stable iodine is an important chemical needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. Most of the stable iodine in our bodies comes from the food we eat. KI is stable iodine in a medicine form. This fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives you some basic information about KI. It explains what you should think about before you or a family member takes KI.
What does KI do?
Following a radiological or nuclear event, radioactive iodine may be released into the air and then be breathed into the lungs. Radioactive iodine may also contaminate the local food supply and get into the body through food or through drink. When radioactive materials get into the body through breathing, eating, or drinking, we say that “internal contamination” has occurred. In the case of internal contamination with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland quickly absorbs this chemical. Radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid can then injure the gland. Because non-radioactive KI acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland, it can help protect this gland from injury.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 2
What KI cannot do
Knowing what KI cannot do is also important. KI cannot prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body. KI can protect only the thyroid from radioactive iodine, not other parts of the body. KI cannot reverse the health effects caused by radioactive iodine once damage to the thyroid has occurred. KI cannotprotect the body from radioactive elements other than radioactive iodine—if radioactive iodine is not present, taking KI is not protective.
How does KI work?
The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine and will absorb both. KI works by blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid. When a person takes KI, the stable iodine in the medicine gets absorbed by the thyroid. Because KI contains so much stable iodine, the thyroid gland becomes “full” and cannot absorb any more iodine—either stable or radioactive—for the next 24 hours.
Iodized table salt also contains iodine; iodized table salt contains enough iodine to keep most people healthy under normal conditions. However, table salt does not contain enough iodine to block radioactive iodine from getting into your thyroid gland. You should not use table salt as a substitute for KI.
How well does KI work?
Knowing that KI may not give a person 100% protection against radioactive iodine is important. How well KI blocks radioactive iodine depends on
* how much time passes between contamination with radioactive iodine and the taking of KI (the sooner a person takes KI, the better),
* how fast KI is absorbed into the blood, and
* the total amount of radioactive iodine to which a person is exposed.
Who should take KI?
The thyroid glands of a fetus and of an infant are most at risk of injury from radioactive iodine. Young children and people with low stores of iodine in their thyroid are also at risk of thyroid injury.
Infants (including breast-fed infants): Infants need to be given the recommended dosage of KI for babies (see How much KI should I take?). The amount of KI that gets into breast milk is not enough to protect breast-fed infants from exposure to radioactive iodine. The proper dose of KI given to a nursing infant will help protect it from radioactive iodine that it breathes in or drinks in breast milk.
Children: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all children internally contaminated with (or likely to be internally contaminated with) radioactive iodine take KI, unless they have known allergies to iodine. Children from newborn to 18 years of age are the most sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of radioactive iodine.
Young Adults: The FDA recommends that young adults (between the ages of 18 and 40 years) internally contaminated with (or likely to be internally contaminated with) radioactive iodine take the recommended dose of KI. Young adults are less sensitive to the effects of radioactive iodine than are children.
Pregnant Women: Because all forms of iodine cross the placenta, pregnant women should take KI to protect the growing fetus. However, pregnant women should take only one dose of KI following internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine.
Breastfeeding Women: Women who are breastfeeding should take only one dose of KI if they have been internally contaminated with (or are likely to be internally contaminated with) radioactive iodine. Because radioactive iodine quickly gets into breast milk, CDC recommends that women internally contaminated with (or are likely to be internally contaminated with) radioactive iodine stop breastfeeding and feed their child baby formula or other food if it is available. If breast milk is the only food available for an infant, nursing should continue.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 3
Adults: Adults older than 40 years should not take KI unless public health or emergency management officials say that contamination with a very large dose of radioactive iodine is expected. Adults older than 40 years have the lowest chance of developing thyroid cancer or thyroid injury after contamination with radioactive iodine. They also have a greater chance of having allergic reactions to KI.
When should I take KI?
After a radiologic or nuclear event, local public health or emergency management officials will tell the public if KI or other protective actions are needed. For example, public health officials may advise you to remain in your home, school, or place of work (this is known as “shelter-in-place”) or to evacuate. You may also be told not to eat some foods and not to drink some beverages until a safe supply can be brought in from outside the affected area. Following the instructions given to you by these authorities can lower the amount of radioactive iodine that enters your body and lower the risk of serious injury to your thyroid gland.
How much KI should I take?
The FDA has approved two different forms of KI—tablets and liquid—that people can take by mouth after a nuclear radiation emergency. Tablets come in two strengths, 130 milligram (mg) and 65 mg. The tablets are scored so they may be cut into smaller pieces for lower doses. Each milliliter (mL) of the oral liquid solution contains 65 mg of KI.
According to the FDA, the following doses are appropriate to take after internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine:
* Adults should take 130 mg (one 130 mg tablet OR two 65 mg tablets OR two mL of solution).
* Women who are breastfeeding should take the adult dose of 130 mg.
* Children between 3 and 18 years of age should take 65 mg (one 65 mg tablet OR 1 mL of solution). Children who are adult size (greater than or equal to 150 pounds) should take the full adult dose, regardless of their age.
* Infants and children between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 mg (½ of a 65 mg tablet OR ½ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing infants and children.
· Newborns from birth to 1 month of age should be given 16 mg (¼ of a 65 mg tablet or ¼ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing newborn infants.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 4
How often should I take KI?
A single dose of KI protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours. A one-time dose at the levels recommended in this fact sheet is usually all that is needed to protect the thyroid gland. In some cases, radioactive iodine might be in the environment for more than 24 hours. If that happens, local emergency management or public health officials may tell you to take one dose of KI every 24 hours for a few days. You should do this only on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials, or your doctor. Avoid repeat dosing with KI for pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborn infants. Those individuals may need to be evacuated until levels of radioactive iodine in the environment fall.
Taking a higher dose of KI, or taking KI more often than recommended, does not offer more protection and can cause severe illness or death.
Medical conditions that may make it harmful to take KI
Taking KI may be harmful for some people because of the high levels of iodine in this medicine. You should not take KI if
• you know you are allergic to iodine (If you are unsure about this, consult your doctor. A seafood or shellfish allergy does not necessarily mean that you are allergic to iodine.) or
• you have certain skin disorders (such as dermatitis herpetiformis or urticaria vasculitis).
People with thyroid disease (for example, multinodular goiter, Graves’ disease, or autoimmune thyroiditis) may be treated with KI. This should happen under careful supervision of a doctor, especially if dosing lasts for more than a few days.
In all cases, talk to your doctor if you are not sure whether to take KI.
What are the possible risks and side effects of KI?
When public health or emergency management officials tell the public to take KI following a radiologic or nuclear event, the benefits of taking this drug outweigh the risks. This is true for all age groups. Some general side effects caused by KI may include intestinal upset, allergic reactions (possibly severe), rashes, and inflammation of the salivary glands.
When taken as recommended, KI causes only rare adverse health effects that specifically involve the thyroid gland. In general, you are more likely to have an adverse health effect involving the thyroid gland if you
* take a higher than recommended dose of KI,
* take the drug for several days, or
* have pre-existing thyroid disease.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 5
Newborn infants (less than 1 month old) who receive more than one dose of KI are at particular risk for developing a condition known as hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone levels that are too low). If not treated, hypothyroidism can cause brain damage. Infants who receive KI should have their thyroid hormone levels checked and monitored by a doctor. Avoid repeat dosing of KI to newborns.
Where can I get KI?
KI is available without a prescription. You should talk to your pharmacist to get KI and for directions about how to take it correctly. Your pharmacist can sell you KI brands that have been approved by the FDA.
Other Sources of Information
* The FDA recommendations on KI can be reviewed on the Internet at Frequently Asked Questions on Potassium Iodide (KI) .
* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emergency Response Site is available at CDC Radiation Emergencies.
[4/9/2011 2:09:26 PM] David: Radiation Emergencies
CDC has a key role in protecting the public's health in an emergency involving the release of radiation that could harm people's health. This site provides information to help people protect themselves during and after such an event. It also provides information for professionals involved in planning for and responding to this type of emergency.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Key Facts 6
On March 11, CDC immediately activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Atlanta to respond to the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami and radiation release in Japan. CDC continues to closely monitor the effects of this disaster and is focused on making sure it is ready to support any requests that come in from Japanese colleagues related to public health.
Japan: Radiation and Health
* Radiation Doses (EPA)
* Food and Water Safety
* Radioisotope Brief: Iodine-131 (I-131)
* Radioisotope Brief: Cesium-137 (Cs-137)
* Radiation Dictionary
Fact Sheets
* FAQs About Iodine-131 Found in Surface Water
* FAQs About Iodine-131 Found in Milk
* Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)
* Potassium Iodide (KI)
* Prussian Blue
* All Fact Sheets >
Japan: Info for Specific Groups
* Travelers
* Clinicians
* More groups...
Related Resources
* Social Media
* What is CDC's Role in Emergencies?
* U.S. Government Response to Japan Events (USAgov)
* Radiation Control Programs (CRCPD)
* Recent Emergency Radiation Preparedness Conference
2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Current Situation
* Nuclear Regulatory Commission
* Department of Homeland Security
Radiation and Health
* Radioisotope Brief: Iodine-131 (I-131)
* Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): Fact Sheet for the Public
Radiation and Treatment
* Potassium Iodide (KI)
* Prussian Blue
Visit the full CDC Radiation Emergencies website.
Your Health and Safety
* Protecting Yourself and Your Family Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Preparing for an emergency and what to do during an emergency
* Health Effects and Treatment sHealth Effects and Treatments
Health effects such as acute radiation syndrome; potential treatments (potassium iodide, Prussian blue, DTPA, Neupogen)
* Radiation and Pregnancy Radiation and Pregnancy
Possible health effects of radiation on pregnant women
* Types of Radiation Emergencies Types of Radiation Emergencies
Terrorist events (such as dirty bombs and nuclear blasts) and unintentional emergencies (such as reactor accidents
Post a Comment