FAQs: Radiation Impact from Japan Nuclear Plants
April 6, 2011
Q1: What is the expected impact in New York State?
What we do know at this time is in New York State, like other regions of the country, extremely low traces of radioactive iodine have been found in recent monitoring of air and rainwater—these levels are dramatically below levels that would cause human health concerns.
- These minute traces are similar or below what other states are reporting.
- This slight elevation in levels of radiation is not surprising following the incident in Japan as particles are transported in natural air streams from Japan.
- Based on the information available at this time, no impact on public health in New York State or Madison County is expected.
Drinking water and food grown in Madison County and in the United States has not been affected from Japan’s nuclear emergency and we do not expect an impact.
Q2: Should people take potassium iodide (KI) for protection?
New Yorkers and Madison County residents are not being exposed to high levels of radiation and do not need to take any health precautions. There is no reason to purchase potassium iodide (KI) and there is no reason to take KI.
KI is a chemical compound that can be used to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to elevated (high) levels of radioactive iodine.
- Radioactive iodine is one of the many radioactive materials that may be released from a nuclear power plant.
- In people, KI is only effective at protecting the thyroid gland from airborne or ingested radioiodine if taken within a relatively narrow timeframe before or after exposure.
- KI should not be used as a general health precaution without the presence of high-level radiation exposure expected. If taken unnecessarily, KI can also be harmful to people with certain medical conditions. In many cases, people with shellfish or seafood allergies or certain skin conditions may have anaphylactic reactions if they take KI.
Q3: How harmful is radiation?
Air monitoring for radiation has been routine in New York State for over 30 years.
- Low levels of radiation are always present in our environment and are not considered harmful to a person’s health.
- In addition, people who undergo certain medical tests or procedures like an x-ray are exposed to low-level radiation that is generally not considered harmful.
- Monitoring in NYS will continue in order to track any changes and any changes will be communicated.
Q4: What can I do?
What you can do is stay informed, especially if you plan on traveling to Asia.
- Anyone traveling to Asia should check the U.S. Department of State website for any travel restrictions or recommendations, at www.state.gov.
Madison County Health Department will provide additional information to answer questions as needed.
More information is available at: