CBS News Eugene, Ore., affiliate KVAL announced early Friday morning that the first radioactive fallout from Japan’s ongoing nuclear crisis has reached the U.S. West Coast. So far, readings remain at a level low enough that they are not considered harmful. In a move to allay public fears earlier this week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent deployable radiation monitors to various locations across west coast to get a more accurate picture of radiation levels.
More to Come?
Amid growing complaints from other nuclear agencies, Japanese officials raised the ongoing nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant from level 4 to level 5 on Friday. Based on a 7 level international scale, the recent increase makes the current crisis comparable to the Three Mile Island accident in 1979. The raise also points to much broader, more wide-spread consequences for the global population. With Japan’s ability to contain further releases of radiation still in question, West Coast residents continue to keep one eye on the western sky.
Dr. Jonathan Fielding, a Los Angeles County health director, claims that any radiation will be “well-diluted by the time it reaches the West Coast.” Other government officials have echoed that statement, claiming much of the harmful radiation will be dispersed over the Pacific Ocean long before it reaches western shores. Even so, sales of potassium iodide have skyrocketed since Japan’s nuclear crisis began late last week. Reports of empty store shelves and online backorders may have residents scrambling for an alternate solution.
Potassium iodide is known for its protective effects against radiation when taken prior to or shortly after exposure. In addition to potassium iodide, Daniel Hayes from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene states that vitamin D can also shield the body from the damaging effects of low level radiation. Both potassium iodide and vitamin D can be obtained from eating a varied diet. Another option is to supplement the diet with vitamin tablets. The perfect option for those wishing to supplement their diet is Flintstones Complete by Bayer. According to the Nutritional Information provided by Bayer, one adult dose (one chewable pill) of Flintstones Complete vitamins contains 100 percent of the U.S. RDA for both iodine (as potassium iodide) and vitamin D. A single adult dose will also provide 100 percent of the U.S. RDA for 10 other essential vitamins and minerals. In such uncertain times, a single daily dose of prevention is much preferred to a lifetime of potential regret.
Sources:
“Could Vitamin D Save Us From Radiation?”, Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081107143847.htm
“Experts: No West Coast Radiation Danger”, Fox 11 News
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/experts-no-west-coast-radiation-danger-20110317
“Fallout from Japan reaches West Coast but poses no risk”, KVAL News
http://www.kval.com/news/national/118244264.html
“Feds move more radiation monitors to West Coast”, CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/17/national/main20044164.shtmlsource=related_story&tag=related
“Flintstones Complete”, Bayer HealthCare
http://www.flintstonesvitamins.com/complete/index.html#ingredients
“”Overwhelmed” Japan raises nuke crisis severity”, CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/18/501364/main20044547.shtml?tag=stack
