The United States is not in danger of any significant health threat from the radiation leak in Japan.
The West Coast is more than 4,000 miles from Japan. This distance, coupled with the dilution of any potential radiation plume, as a result of wind patterns, would significantly minimize any health risks exposure.
The Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are closely monitoring environmental radiation levels (i.e., Iodine-131 and Cesium-137) hourly in four locations across Washington state (Seattle, Tumwater, Richland and Spokane).
We live among radiation
On a typical day, everyone is exposed to minute levels of radiation. It cannot be avoided. For example, just walking outside exposes a person to radiation from the ground and sun at a yearly level of 3 mSv (millisievent is a unit of measurement for radiation dose). A chest X-ray exposure is 0.1 mSv, a mammogram 0.7 mSv and CT scan of the abdomen 10 mSv.
Even some foods, like bananas (potassium rich), contain radiation. These levels of radiation are safe and pose no significant adverse health threat. A radiation exposure of 1,000 mSv causes radiation sickness.
Symptoms of radiation exposure
In reference to the people in Japan, the greater a person’s exposure to radiation, the more rapid and severe the symptoms. Symptoms depend upon: distance to the radiation source, strength of the radiation energy and how much the body absorbs over time.
Within six hours of mild radiation exposure, symptoms of nausea and vomiting develop. Within one to three hours of moderate to severe radiation exposure, symptoms include headaches and fever. Over one to four weeks post exposure, symptoms result in fatigue, weakness, disorientation, hair loss, low blood pressure and the appearance of blood in the stool.
Long-term health consequences are significant and potentially serious. The chance of developing thyroid cancer, other thyroid conditions and other types of cancers dramatically increases over a person’s lifetime. In addition, radiation can damage bone marrow, leading to a decreased production of white blood cells that are critical for fighting infections and maintain a strong immune system.
Treatment
For those exposed to external radiation, simply removing clothes and shoes, and then washing with soap and water will remove about 90 percent of the contamination.
The treatment for internal ingestion of radiation, either from inhaling it in the air and/or ingesting contaminated food and/or water is potassium iodide. However, it only protects the thyroid gland, no other parts of the body.
Thyroid gland cells are the only cells in the body that can readily absorb iodine. Potassium iodide saturates specific sites on the thyroid gland with safe, healthy and stable iodine. As a result, any contaminated radioactive iodine (Iodine-131) that got into the blood stream is excreted into the urine.
Where to purchase potassium iodide
Potassium Iodide is safe, available over-the-counter and on-line, without a prescription. Commercial supplies are rapidly dwindling, or nearly depleted, due to the unnecessary generation of consumer fear and panic.
As a result, the demand for potassium iodide has prompted many venders to take advantage of consumer unrest, thereby price-gouging customers by hundreds of dollars.
In 2010, a package of potassium iodide was $10; today some retail outlets are charging in excess of $500.
In the event of a true radiation emergency, the government has stockpiles in strategic locations that can be immediately deployed in the event of a domestic need. One package per individual (adult 130 mg daily, a child 65 mg); dosed at one tablet every 24 hours for at least 14 days, or until otherwise directed by government health officials. The medication is most effective if taken just before exposure, or within three to four hours.
Potential side effects of potassium iodide may include: rash, acne, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and inflammation of salivary glands. Do not take potassium iodide if you are allergic to iodine. A seafood allergy does not necessarily indicate an allergy to iodine. Do not take potassium iodide if you have certain skin conditions, such as urticaria vasculitis or dermatitis herpetiformis. And, never take potassium iodide unless directed by public authorities.
For individuals with more significant exposure and symptoms, additional medical treatments may consist of neupogen (filgrastim) and neulasta (pegfilgrastim). These two medications stimulate bone marrow to produce white blood cells – critical in order to prevent infections. Blood transfusions may also be necessary.
Symptom-directed medications also are an important treatment for radiation poisoning. Examples include antibiotics to treat infections, antiemetic to stop nausea and vomiting and IV fluids to reverse dehydration.
Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and for the Auburn Reporter. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is Chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer health care advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget,” and “Common Medical Sense” are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, docforall.com, or call her office 253-568-0841.
