The After Effects of Japan:

Radioactivity in Our Environment

By Sarah LoBisco, ND

The horrible tragedy that hit Japan on Saturday is a topic with repercussions far beyond the discussion of this week’s health blog. My heart and prayers go out to all of Japan’s people during this time of loss. Still, I am touched with pride as I watch our country exhibit a strong empathy, followed with positive action, in response to this natural disaster. It tugs my heart strings to be informed of all the scientists, doctors, industries, and celebrities uniting to gather resources for Japan’s citizens through prayer, man power, medical attention, and financial support.

Today, many people are still trying to process the intense emotions of shock and fear that have erupted from this unfortunate incident. This event has served as an intense reminder that no one is immune to natural disaster, tragedy, and death and has caused many to question their own safety. I have received numerous emails from concerned patients, friends, colleagues, and companies regarding suggestions on how to protect ourselves should radiation hit our shores.

After reviewing the data, and becoming overwhelmed in separating the science from the hysteria, I was relieved to find a scientific, compassionate, and proactive summary from Moss Nutrition. Today, a   podcast was released,  specifically designed for patients and laypeople. In it, Dr. Moss reviews all the major questions that are formulated from this event. Most importantly, he discusses the importance of acting from intelligence and facts over fear and panic.

Along with reading published journals, I also listened to a few discussions intended specifically for practitioners on this subject. These presentations thoroughly reviewed the science beyond nuclear exposure and the clinical recommendations from its effects. I am very grateful to Dr. Moss and Dr. Brady for making these non-hyped, research-based presentations available.  I highly recommend you listen to the 40 minute podcast to educate yourself on this topic. Facts relieve fear and provide proactive solutions.

Here is a summary of some of the most important key points I learned from my research and the presentations. From my understanding:

1. At this point, it appears that the United States is not in danger of severe radiation effects. Distance is a major factor in disintegrating the radiation.

2. The amount of radiation that the people in Japan are being exposed to is accumulating daily; it is not at a rate near Chernobyl, though the cumulative effects are reaching detrimental  levels.

3. The units of measurement of radiation are confusing!

It appears that we are minimally exposed to radiation every day. (Remember the concept of hormesis?)

Here are some interesting facts: 

·         The earth emits its own radiation every day.

·         The radiation received from airport security is a lot less than most other forms of radiation; this is an example of misinformation creating fear.

·         Smoking causes radiation effects that are cumulative and higher than chest x-rays and CT scans.

4. We don’t appear to be near the levels needed to cause massive deaths or cancer.

It takes approximately 25 Rd to kill about ½ the population exposed. Japan is at a mSV level right now.  (100 Rem= 1000mSV, 1rad=10mGy, 0.01 Gy = 0.01 Sv, 0.1 rad = 100 mrad  = 1 mGy = 0.001 Gy )

5. Potassium iodide only helps the effect of one isotope, 131-I, released with radiation exposure. It does seem to protect those who are deficient in iodine and children. Those who are already well nourished may not benefit. The thyroid cancer outbreak of Chernobyl may have been more of a result of passing the isotope through the food supply, particularly milk, and air.

6. Potassium iodide should not be taken at large doses unsupervised and is not without toxic effects. Children and those with thyroid issues may want to consider taking it. Proactive small doses may be wise.

7. We should continue to take good care of bodies and supply them with a healthy diet full of antioxidants. Antioxidants seem to protect the body from the radioactive isotopes that cause DNA damage to the cells, creating all the damaging effects to the body.

Read the rest of the blog here.