Fukushima Radiation Emergency

"March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.

March 11 marks the anniversary of Japan’s 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents:

• Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants.
• Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination.

The Combination of a Natural and Industrial Disaster

On that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded.

Public Health Effects Not from Radiation Exposure

Strikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (Bulletin of the World Health Organization (who.int) pdf icon[PDF – 1.25 MB]external icon, The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2020/2021 Report to the General Assemblyexternal icon) described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems..."
Fukushima 

Radiation in Medicine: Medical Imaging Procedures

"Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that allow doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries without being intrusive. Some of these tests involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks to patients. However, if patients understand the benefits and risks, they can make the best decisions about choosing a particular medical imaging procedure.

Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests. Imaging procedures are medical tests that allow doctors to see inside the body in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions. Doctors often use medical imaging procedures to determine the best treatment options for patients. The type of imaging procedure that your doctor may suggest will depend on your health concern and the part of the body that is being examined. Some common examples of imaging tests include:

• X-rays (including dental x-rays, chest x-rays, spine x-rays)
• CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans
• Fluoroscopy

If your doctor suggests x-rays or other medical imaging tests, you should consider the following:

• Medical imaging tests should be performed only when necessary.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends discussing the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures with your doctor.

Benefits and Risks of Medical Imaging Procedures That Use Ionizing Radiation

Medical imaging tests can help doctors:

• Obtain a better view of organs, blood vessels, tissues and bones.
• Determine whether surgery is a good treatment option.
• Guide medical procedures involving placement of catheters, stents, or other devices inside the body, locate tumors for treatment and locate blood clots or other blockages.
• Guide joint replacement options and treatment of fractures.

As in many areas of medicine, there are risks associated with the use of medical imaging which uses ionizing radiation to create images of the body. Risks from exposure to ionizing radiation include:

• A small increase in the likelihood that a person exposed to radiation will develop cancer later in life.
• Health effects that could occur after a large acute exposure to ionizing radiation such as skin reddening and hair loss.
• Possible allergic reactions associated with a contrast dye injected into the veins to better see body structures being examined.."
  Radiation and medicine 
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Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies

"Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during a radiation emergency by getting inside, staying inside, and staying tuned.

It’s Saturday night and you’re at home with your family watching TV. A news alert announces a radiation emergency in your city. It could be an overturned truck hauling radioactive material, a nuclear power plant accident, or a “dirty bomb,” but reports are that large amounts of radiation have been released. What should you do?

Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years. These can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death. This depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, and for how long the person was exposed. In large doses, radiation can cause acute illness or skin burns, or jeopardize a developing fetus..."
Radiation emergencies 

UV Radiation

"Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is a year-round responsibility. Protect yourself and others from the sun with shade, a shirt, or sunblock (SPF 15+) all year long.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While it has some benefits for people, including the creation of Vitamin D, it also can cause health risks.

• Our natural source of UV radiation:
  • The sun
• Some artificial sources of UV radiation include:
  • Tanning beds
  • Mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms)
  • Some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights
  • Some types of lasers

What are the different types of UV radiation rays?

UV radiation is classified into three primary types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). These groups are based on the measure of their wavelength, which is measured in nanometers (nm= 0.000000001 meters or 1×10-9 meters).

Wave Type	UVA	UVB	UVC
Wavelength	315- 399 nm	280-314 nm	100-279 nm
Absorption Level	Not absorbed by the ozone layer	Mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, but some does reach the Earth’s surface	Completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere

All of the UVC and most of the UVB radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, so nearly all of the ultraviolet radiation received on Earth is UVA. UVA and UVB radiation can both affect health. Even though UVA radiation is weaker than UVB, it penetrates deeper into the skin and is more constant throughout the year. Since UVC radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, it does not pose as much of a risk..."
UV radiation

Radiation in Medicine: Medical Imaging Procedures

"Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that allow doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries without being intrusive. Some of these tests involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks to patients. However, if patients understand the benefits and risks, they can make the best decisions about choosing a particular medical imaging procedure.

Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests. Imaging procedures are medical tests that allow doctors to see inside the body in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions. Doctors often use medical imaging procedures to determine the best treatment options for patients. The type of imaging procedure that your doctor may suggest will depend on your health concern and the part of the body that is being examined. Some common examples of imaging tests include:

• X-rays (including dental x-rays, chest x-rays, spine x-rays)
• CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans
• Fluoroscopy.."
  Radiation in medicine

Radiation in Medicine: Medical Imaging Procedures

"Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that allow doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries without being intrusive. Some of these tests involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks to patients. However, if patients understand the benefits and risks, they can make the best decisions about choosing a particular medical imaging procedure.

Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests. Imaging procedures are medical tests that allow doctors to see inside the body in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions. Doctors often use medical imaging procedures to determine the best treatment options for patients. The type of imaging procedure that your doctor may suggest will depend on your health concern and the part of the body that is being examined. Some common examples of imaging tests include:

• X-rays (including dental x-rays, chest x-rays, spine x-rays)
• CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans
• Fluoroscopy

If your doctor suggests x-rays or other medical imaging tests, you should consider the following:

• Medical imaging tests should be performed only when necessary.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends discussing the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures with your doctor..."
  Radiation in medicine

Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies

"Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during a radiation emergency by getting inside, staying inside, and staying tuned.

It’s Saturday night and you’re at home with your family watching TV. A news alert announces a radiation emergency in your city. It could be an overturned truck hauling radioactive material, a nuclear power plant accident, or a “dirty bomb,” but reports are that large amounts of radiation have been released. What should you do?

Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years. These can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death. This depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, and for how long the person was exposed. In large doses, radiation can cause acute illness or skin burns, or jeopardize a developing fetus.

Knowing the right steps to take can save lives and protect health..."
Radiation emergencies

Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies

"Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during a radiation emergency by getting inside, staying inside, and staying tuned.

It’s Saturday night and you’re at home with your family watching TV. A news alert announces a radiation emergency in your city. It could be an overturned truck hauling radioactive material, a nuclear power plant accident, or a “dirty bomb,” but reports are that large amounts of radiation have been released. What should you do?

Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years. These can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death. This depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, and for how long the person was exposed. In large doses, radiation can cause acute illness or skin burns, or jeopardize a developing fetus..."
Radiation emergencies

Radiation in Medicine: Medical Imaging Procedures

"Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that allow doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries without being intrusive. Some of these tests involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks to patients. However, if patients understand the benefits and risks, they can make the best decisions about choosing a particular medical imaging procedure.

Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests. Imaging procedures are medical tests that allow doctors to see inside the body in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions. Doctors often use medical imaging procedures to determine the best treatment options for patients. The type of imaging procedure that your doctor may suggest will depend on your health concern and the part of the body that is being examined. Some common examples of imaging tests include:

• X-rays (including dental x-rays, chest x-rays, spine x-rays)
• CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans
• Fluoroscopy

If your doctor suggests x-rays or other medical imaging tests, you should consider the following:

• Medical imaging tests should be performed only when necessary.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends discussing the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures with your doctor..."
  Radiation and medical imaging

Radiation in Medicine: Medical Imaging Procedures

"Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that allow doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries without being intrusive. Some of these tests involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks to patients. However, if patients understand the benefits and risks, they can make the best decisions about choosing a particular medical imaging procedure.

Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests. Imaging procedures are medical tests that allow doctors to see inside the body in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions. Doctors often use medical imaging procedures to determine the best treatment options for patients. The type of imaging procedure that your doctor may suggest will depend on your health concern and the part of the body that is being examined. Some common examples of imaging tests include:

• X-rays (including dental x-rays, chest x-rays, spine x-rays)
• CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans
• Fluoroscopy..."

Medical imaging

UV Index
"The UV Index, developed by the National Weather Service and EPA, indicates the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). You can use the UV Index to take appropriate sun-protective behaviors and avoid overexposure to UV radiation."

Tips to Help Avoid Cell Phone Radiation Scams
"Whether you call them cell phones, smart phones or mobile devices, it seems like everyone has one. According to the wireless telecommunications industry, the U.S. now has an estimated 300 million mobile subscribers, compared to 110 million subscribers a decade ago. The increase in cell phone use has generated concern about possible health risks related to radio frequency electromagnetic fields from this technology, and a market for shields as possible protection against the radio waves the phones emit. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has some practical tips to help you avoid scams and limit your exposure to electromagnetic emissions from your cell phone...

To limit your exposure to cell phone electromagnetic emissions, the FTC suggests that you:

* Increase the distance between your phone and your head by using a hands-free device, like an earpiece that is wired to the phone, or using the speakerphone feature.
* Consider texting more and limiting your cell phone use to short conversations.
* Wait for a good signal. When you have a weak signal, your phone works harder, emitting more radiation. Phones also give off more radiation when transmitting than when receiving, so tilt the phone away from your head when you're talking, and bring it back to your ear when you're listening.
* When you're in the market for a new phone, research a phone's specific absorption rate (SAR) before you buy. Measured in watts per kilogram of tissue, the SAR reveals how much radiation the body absorbs while using the mobile device. Different phones emit different amounts of radiation. In the U.S., a phone's SAR can't exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has more information at Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) For Cell Phones: What It Means For You..."

CDC Grand Rounds: Radiological and Nuclear Preparedness
"Radiological and nuclear disasters are infrequent, but when they occur, they result in large and demonstrable health burdens. Several scenarios can result in the public's exposure to radiation. For example, radiation sources used in health care or other industries can be lost or misused. Incidents in the nuclear power industry, such as those at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, require significant public health response. In addition, radiological terrorism can involve the use of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or an improvised nuclear device (IND). State and local health agencies are expected to perform essential public health functions in response to any of these emergencies..."

Presidential Report on Radiation Protection Advice: Screening of Humans for
Security Purposes Using Ionizing Radiation Scanning Systems
"This Presidential Report from the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements (NCRP) presents radiation protection advice concerning ionizing
radiation-producing devices that are being evaluated for various uses in screening of
humans for the purpose of security. Chief among the devices being evaluated at the
present time are scanning systems that utilize x rays. This report addresses systems
utilizing ionizing radiation, but also describes briefly some systems under
consideration that utilize nonionizing radiation sources (see Section 3.4).

The report stresses that this advice is limited to radiation matters such as the
levels of radiation exposure encountered, the radiation risk associated with ionizing
radiation in general (as well as the risk associated with the actual levels encountered), and application of NCRP radiation protection principles to this radiation source. The overall justification for use of such devices for specific security applications and what constitutes a net benefit to society are broader questions that are outside of NCRP ’s role as defined by its Congressional charter..."