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State: AK Could See Very Small Increase In Radiation LevelsState health officials say levels would be well below a health concernRelated Content
The explosions at the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant have triggered fears across the globe, including Alaska, of radiation exposure.
The state commissioner of health and social services says Alaska could see a “very small increase in radiation levels—well below levels that would be a health concern.”
State officials say there are monitoring radiation levels at stations throughout the state—in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks—through black boxes, which send that information back to state and federal computers.
But state health officials say, the chances of radiation reaching Alaska from Japan are very slim.
“The immediate effects occur within minutes and they typically are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, general malaise,” said Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
Weeks to months later, those symptoms get worse.
“They can also develop skin damage, hair loss, problems with the bone marrow and that can result in infection and ultimately can cause death,” McLaughlin said. “If you're going to die from radiation exposure, that usually occurs within months.”
But the chances of the problem affecting Alaskans are slim, officials said.
“Right now, we don't expect any radiation to affect Alaska,” said Chris Laborde, the state’s emergency program manager.
Scientists with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission say weather is keeping the radiation at bay: rain and snow are clearing the atmosphere and wind is carrying the rest of the radiation out to sea.
Still, some are worried.
“Some Alaskans have been calling in, asking whether or not it is appropriate for them to be taking potassium iodide and the simple answer to this at this point is, no,” McLaughlin said.
The pills protect the thyroid against radiation, but they can be harmful.
“It also can cause adverse side effects and therefore should only be taken if exposure to considerable doses of radiation is expected to occur,” McLaughlin said. “At this point there's no immediate or anticipated indication that this will occur in Alaska.”
Radiation may not be a concern, health officials say, but they're urging Alaskans to be prepared should an earthquake or tsunami strike.
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Contamination said on Thursday, Apr 7 at 5:44 PM
The deliberate use of the word 'radiation' by the EPA and FDA to describe 'contamination' from radioactive isotopes is an attempt to lull and deceive the public. Confusing the cosmic radiation one gets from flying on a plane with radioactive contamination is a perfect example of this deceptive tactic.There is no such thing as safe levels of contamination that is why they don't use this word. When radioactive isotopes enter into the air, water, crops, cattle, milk and our bodies that is called 'radioactive contamination'.
64417187hogan said on Thursday, Mar 17 at 2:58 PM
We don't want your opinion on what the levels are - we want the actual level so WE can decide if the level is harmless. by the way, harmless, really.
62944786Background Radiation said on Thursday, Mar 17 at 1:04 PM
All of this makes me wonder just what the background radiation was in 1950 and have we created all of this radiation with installing nuclear power plants and atomic blasts.
62938337Detter said on Thursday, Mar 17 at 6:42 AM
And a few days ago people were saying nah it can't possibly make it to the US... They have no ideal what the risk is till it hits. Hell even the docs in wa state are not handing out potassium iodide...they say the feds are dispatching radiation detectors. What? And they should be here sometime next week. Obama is beating around the Bush on this one.
62910739Benny said on Thursday, Mar 17 at 1:59 AM
Take a good look folks! Our government doesnt care about us. Check out alex jones online.. And get more info on what they are doing to our FREE COUNTRY.
62898199Thebes said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 10:37 PM
Unfortunately, the typical mode of both the Japanese and the US Federal governments has been to lie. Its best for the politicians, its best for the bureaucrats, and its best for the protected corporations, even if its dirty and unAmerican. So, regardless of what the government's PR rep says, or what the media parrots, I have to presume it could be a lie. It might not be. Probably its distorted. Realistically, exposure to radioactive iodine, cesium, and other minuscule particles CAN increase the risk of many cancers- some not developing for years after exposure. This is true for even low levels of exposure, but cancer risk increases with increased exposure. Realistically a hit might be mild, moderate, or perhaps in very small locations even high enough to cause mild radiation sickness in some and death in a small percentage of those so exposed. Looking at radiation levels from Chernobyl readily demonstrates that they depend as much upon the local weather as upon distance.
62895406Artie said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 9:00 PM
Trust us, we're the Government ! And when the numbers get too high, we will raise them to a new 'safe" level of acceptable radiation for humans. Trust us, we're the Government !
62893483NMCB3 said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 8:46 PM
Well I can`t say I believe anything any government says. Where is the data from all the navel planes and ships in the pacific? They surely know if any radiation is headed this way and how much. Why the secrecy?
62893109David said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 4:22 PM
They said the air at ground zero after 9/11 was safe to breathe, too.
62879043dan said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 2:11 PM
What a joke that's why no one take's the lamestream serious corprate slaves keep lieing it is all of our world the truth will come out and you will be tratoirs for lieing. When people start droping like flies.
62872603babybear9 said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 11:44 AM
Im am angry that you people are lieing to us just like the government is. Oh yes its called "do not cause panic and chaos". Well we have the right to make our own choices if we want to panic. Thats our right and if we want to protect our families then thats our right too. DO NO babysit us like children and be forth coming with the truth.When are you going to say something ? when we are all sick and you go SORRY.?
62863361truth-seeker said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 11:17 AM
okayy...the weather is keeping it at bay huh?? thats strange becasue as of tuesday night the was a shift in weather with caused a strong cold front and gusty winds to shift east of japan (that means towards you alaska and also the rest of the western n.america and possibly s america) winds in central and northern japan gusted almost to 50mph soon after the fourth reactor exploded yesterday.....METEROLGISTS PREDICTS THAT JUST WITHIN A FEW HOURS WINDS WILL BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE PACIFIC AT 12METERS PER SECOND!!(THAT IS 34.9 FEET PER SECOND!!!!) HOW CAN YOU REPORT THAT THE WEATHER IS KEEPING this radio-active CONTAMINATED AIR AT BAY WHEN IT IS CLEARLY HEADING STRAIGHT FOR US!!!!T**E**L**L** T**H**E T**R**U**T*H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
62861506alaskan said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 10:59 AM
They sell items to check radiation levels. They also sell items to stock up on...like dehydrated foods...might be cheaper onlne... but a store in Anchorage...there they will have all the intel and inventory to lock it up if we get a wind storm from the Jet Stream that comes from that part of the world to here. Check the aviation jet streams FAA online... there are ways to survive and check it out...
62860334Midnight Rider said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 10:32 AM
You people in Alaska are going to have to plug into this network and provide the data. http://radiationnetwork.com/AlaskaHawaii.htm http://radiationnetwork.com/
62858517trina said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 9:57 AM
how about you just tell what the levels are? pathetic! if people die from this and you people knew the danger you are responsible for not preparing them. YOU WILL BE THE ONES WITH BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS! we want numbers not your worthless opinions.
62855848Heather H said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 9:34 AM
So, how does "But state health officials say, the chances of radiation reaching Alaska from Japan are very slim." reconcile with "State: Radiation Levels In AK Elevated But Not Harmful" ??? i mean, really? do they think we are mindless? this is UN-believable. that's all i got.
62854052Tom said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 9:18 AM
The headline says radiation levels in Alaska are elevated, but the story says they're not. What's the deal?
62852758Oswell said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 8:07 AM
1984 Big Brother LOVE YOU
62847422Arthur said on Wednesday, Mar 16 at 6:53 AM
Wow! in print, you state "radiation". but the little video states "no risk" Start broadcasting the truth, you'll be affected and exposed soon. Also, I think I saw a few reporters at the health stores looking for potassium iodine on the shelves for their own use?
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