Dealing with Radiation Leak from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

After the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Japan has been facing several issues. Nuclear crisis is among them. Many tourists immediately went back to their countries, fearing that they will get contaminated by the harmful radiation.

The dose of radiation and the length of exposure determine how much harm radiation can cause our body. Exposure to low doses of radiation can result in nausea and vomiting, memory loss, and decline in intelligence. Exposure to high levels can lead to leukemia, thyroid and lung cancer, and birth defects. Some falsely claimed that applying betadine around the neck can stop radiation from being absorbed by our body. It has been reported that taking potassium iodide instead can prevent radiation absorption. Ideally, the supplement has to be taken 1 hour before the exposure. However, it is important to consult a doctor first since potassium iodide has side effects. Hygiene is also important. Radiation can cling to our body so expose as little skin as possible. The hair is especially sensitive to radiation. It is advised to remove our clothing when we got home and to take a bath. Wearing surgical mask can also prevent us from inhaling radiation.

It was predicted that the wind from Japan is going east, towards the Pacific Ocean. For now, the countries located nearby are safe from radiation. In countries where the wind is headed (e.g. Canada), radiation poisoning is not likely as the wind would have already dispersed before it reaches the coast. Let's pray that this problem will be contained soon and that Japan will recover rapidly. To our Japanese friends, Gambate!

Millisievert (mSv) is the unit used in measuring the level of ionizing radiation

Gieger counter is the device used to measure the level of ionizing radiation

At least 1000 mSv is required to increase cancer risk by 5%

Nuclear radiation contains cancerous substances known as iodine-131, cesium-137, strontium-90 and plutonium-239.

Iodine-131 can cause thyroid cancer in a short period of time. The good thing is, it doesn’t last long in the environment. According to CNN, it “loses half its radiation every 8 days.”

Cesium-137 and strontium-90 are absorbed in our bones and teeth that slowly develop into cancer.

Strontium-90 is associated to leukemia (blood cancer)

Cesium-137 is associated to kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancer.

Plutonium-239 can cause lung cancer.

Ionizing radiation can strip off the electrons from the atom, thus, turning the atom into a free radical. Free radicals are unstable. They are susceptible and can attract harmful substances in attempt to “balance” the now positively charge atom.

The radiation that we get from our daily life is 3.6 mSv in a year.

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