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Earthquake Causes Radiation Leak in Japan
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| People in U.S. Concerned About Relative Risk of Health Effects | |||||
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On Friday March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake rattled Japan, setting off a tsunami which ravaged Japan’s northern coast. In addition to the oceanic destruction of homes, roadways, and businesses, the devastating quake also damaged several nuclear reactors, resulting in partial meltdowns. Meltdowns, which occur when reactor cores cannot be sufficiently cooled, are considered the most dangerous type of nuclear power accidents because of the radioactive radiation released. Of greatest concern is iodine 1-131, and to a lesser extent, cesium -37, both of which were likely released during the partial meltdowns in Japan. The March 11th quake caused a nuclear emergency which is said to be the worst since Chernobyl, 25 years ago.
Accurately assessing the amount of radioactive release into the environment is difficult when winds and additional atmospheric factors affect how the harmful vapors disperse. That being said, Japanese authorities originally reported that radiation emitted as a result of the quake posed hazard at the local level only, and directed people living within 12 miles of the affected Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to evacuate; people living between 12 and 19 miles were instructed to stay indoors. Operating on the idea that the actual radiation risk was much higher than this, American officials in Japan advised Americans within a 50 mile radius of the plant to evacuate. On March 18th, Japanese officials retroactively changed the level of nuclear emergency, raising it from a 4 (of local consequence) to a 5 (of wider consequence); the highest level of emergency is a 7 (a major accident).
In a speech to the American public on March 17th, President Obama reiterated the need for evacuation within 50 miles of the Fukushima plant, and further stated that he had authorized voluntary departures by family members of U.S. officials working in northeastern Japan. He then asserted that the U.S. government does not expect dangerous radiation levels to reach Alaska, Hawaii, or states on the West Coast, and that “experts do not recommend that people in the United States take precautionary measures beyond staying informed.”
Regardless of the U.S. government’s official stance on radiation risk for residents in nearby U.S. states, Americans on the West Coast have begun taking measures into their own hands. Many people have been emptying store shelves of potassium iodide pills, iodine-rich kelp tablets and seaweed foods in an effort to protect themselves from, what is now, an unknown radiation risk. To protect residents living near the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini plants in Northeast Japan, Japanese officials authorized the distribution of iodine pills to residents.
Iodine helps protect against thyroid cancer, a known consequence of exposure to high levels of radiation. As Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., a health guru and award-winning author of 30 books on health and nutrition, explains, “The body is very adaptable and based on the law of selective uptake, if you are iodine deficient, then you will more likely absorb radioactive iodine because iodine and its radioactive counterpart—Iodine 131—are atomically similar. The key is to have your reserves well saturated with dietary iodine to block the absorption of the harmful kind.”
While potassium iodide pills provide necessary protection for people who have been exposed to high levels of radioactive radiation, taking them without being exposed to significant radiation is not advisable due to toxic side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and possible severe allergic reactions. Potassium iodide pills contain a much greater concentration of iodine than food, and even supplement, sources of the mineral; natural sources of iodine are better bets for people fearing radiation exposure from across the Pacific Ocean.
Protecting Against Radiation Exposure in the U.S.
Despite assurances from U.S. authorities that the radiation emitted in Japan does not pose a health threat to people in the U.S., many people still have concerns about their relative risk of exposure. Considering that airborne radioactive radiation can travel hundreds of miles, people on the prevention bandwagon may be less paranoid than the government would have us believe.
Protecting against radiation is no joke. Radioactive particles are carcinogenic and can enter our bodies through air, water or food. They can attach to our cells and remain there for many years, ultimately damaging our tissues, organs, and DNA by absorbing minerals and trace elements we need, instead, for digestion, absorption, elimination, and reproduction. While radioactive radiation can cause immediate symptoms like skin problems, loss of appetite and taste, and fatigue, it can also lead to longer-term health issues such as cancer, leukemia, thyroid and bone disorders, genetic mutation, premature aging and abnormal blood clotting. “It gets into everything,” says Gittleman, “our blood, liver, bones, skin…”
Through her “Edge on Health” blogs (www.annlouise.com/blog), Gittleman discusses natural alternatives to potassium iodide pills which she suggests for people who want to protect themselves against airborne radiation; she also recommends them for people who live near a nuclear power plant and face chronic exposure to low levels of radiation, a situation which increases risk of breast cancer, and immune deficiencies among other serious health issues.
For years, Gittleman has recommended a "radiation-proof bath and tonic" developed by the late Dr. Hazel Parcells (who lived to be 106). A naturopath and chiropractor, Dr. Parcells worked with the nuclear scientists on the top secret Manhattan Project that involved the detonation of an atom bomb in New Mexico. To neutralize radiation exposure from X-rays, fallout, nuclear plant emissions, and plane travel, Gittleman advises:
“Draw a bathtub full of medium hot water and add two cups of baking soda and two cups of salt. Soak for about 20 minutes or until the water cools. If you are living at least 50 miles from a nuclear power plant, I suggest that you do this at least twice a week. It’s particularly helpful after rain, snow, or fog when the radioactive particles are brought closer to the ground. To retain the therapeutic effects, do not shower after the bath.”
For cases of acute radiation exposure, Gittleman advocates drinking the salt-and-soda mixture daily:
“One teaspoon baking soda and one teaspoon sea salt dissolved in one quart of purified water. Take one 8-ounce glass every four hours for the first two doses, and then space the next two doses two hours apart. If more is needed, space the doses three hours apart until all the symptoms are gone.”
Gittleman also suggests cleaning the air in your home or office charcoal air filters, and says that charcoal can remove more than 70 percent of radioactive particles from the air. Recognizing the crucial importance of minerals in cellular health, Gittleman also recommends mineral-rich foods and supplements to protective against health effects associated with radioactive iodide.
Foods to Fight Radiation Damage
The following foods not only help protect the body against radiation damage, they are across-the-board winners for achieving optimal health:
While brown sea veggies are full of sodium alginate, a chemical compound which helps chelate radioactive toxins from the body (which will otherwise just accumulate), red seaweeds contain chlorophyll and beta carotene.
Supplement Shields Against Radiation
Health care practitioners who are savvy about iodine can help you test your iodine levels and determine what your supplementation needs may be.
References and Resources:
© 2011 Heart MD Institute, PA |
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