Since many of you already know the situation of those effected by the quake and tsunami, I will shift my attention to what, somewhat unfortunately, the rest of the world is mainly reporting on; the Fukushima nuclear reactor. Although currently the situation caused by nature is far worse than the crisis as a result of man's technology.
I first want to criticize the western media on their sensatialization of the nuclear reactor. I understand that the Japanese media may be downplaying some of the severity of the issue in order to maintain order and not cause panic, but the western media must blow the situation up enough to keep foreign viewers watching. Viewers that really will not be affected by the radiation. In this sense, I feel the closest truth is found between these media outlets neither played down nor sensationalized. For this reason, and responsible journalism, I want to clarify the situation.
First, the situation is dire and I wish by no means to downplay it! The immediate area around the reactor has dangerously high radiation readings. The further one goes away from the reactor the lower the radiation. To put this in perspective the U.S. government has stated that U.S. citizens within 50 miles (80km) from the reactor should evacuate. This is the maximum that the U.S. deems as a safety precaution. The Japanese government is saying somewhere around 30km, which in light of recent events I feel is a little too close. Since I am not a nuclear specialist, I can only advise the farther away you are the safer. However, more than 80km and panicking is not doing anyone good. There is no real threat caused by airborne radiation at this distance. Instead watching the news and monitoring water radiation levels as well as food should be the primary concern (in Japan). However, do not panic and horde supplies since the northern regions are running out and to share some food and water will help people and without a doubt save some lives. So don't fear, but do prepare. Calmly and with wisdom!
With this being said, reports of Americans buying Iodine tablets and with some even being sold on eBay for $1000 USD is heinous! In no way will dangerous radiation hit the shores of America from Japan, this is including Hawaii. The U.S. media doesn't want to directly tell you this because it wants you to keep "tuning in" to see if you are in danger. Let's face it, most people really only care about how they are affected. American's living in America, generally don't care about Japanese people living in Japan, although I am not implying they are callus. They do care and may donate money, but they will not keep watching the news every night if there is no direct affect on their life. This is a media's wet dream. The largest earthquake to hit Japan, a devastating tsunami, and nuclear radiation. Honestly people, this opportunity may never greet a journalist again.
As far as radiation in Japan. I also want to put into perspective that Tokyo is some 290km (180 miles) from Fukushima. Radiation has been detected, but in the air it is still under 1μSv. Although higher than normal it is still very low. It is even low enough to rate as natural ambient radiation in some parts of the world. We are always exposed to radiation levels. So a little will not effect us, and radiation such as iodine only has a half life of about a week, so we won't be carrying around extra radiation with us for years. However, there are other types of radiation that have half lifes of 25 years or more. So stay informed of the type of radiation is being leaked.
Let me also remind you that radiation is orderless, invisible and tasteless. This is not to scare you, but this is to debunk silly news reports saying that there is yellow radioactive rain falling in Tokyo. FALSE! Sorry, radioactive rain looks the same as any other rain...well except that it glows in the dark (kidding). So put down your Hollywood movies and learn some science before jumping to conclusions. And SHAME on the media even reporting on this. For those interested, they yellow rain is from pollen.
Also stop saying this is another Chernobyl. It's impossible. The Chernobyl explosion happened when nuclear fission was still underway. Fission was stopped at the Fukushima reactor. A meltdown is possible if not cooled properly, but nothing on the scale of Chernobyl. Here is a breakdown by PBS. Although outdated, it does put some things into perspective without some outrageous claims made by many media sources.
There are many topics to cover, but I will leave on the issue of contamination. Many Japanese vegetables have been contaminated. Although it is at a level that if you eat it a couple times it won't effect you, however to avoid it is the best thing. Radiation is cumulative so the less you take in, the better. I am more worried about the farmers and the economic impact on them, and the long term effects on the immediate region around the reactor and the workers who are there working in extreme levels of radiation. There are reports that a type of radioactive Cesium has been released with a half life of 25 years. I pray that it won't go far because it could destroy farm land, natural habitat and tourism to the area for years. Water contamination has been an issue, even for residents living as far as Tokyo. This is a large concern for infants who are even more susceptible to radiation. However the past 3 days have shown that radiation levels in water are dropping.
And finally, as for my location in Japan. I am about 730km (450mi) away from Fukushima. I am not worried about fallout. I am safe and unaffected by the terrible things that have happened in Japan. I worry more about another earthquake than nuclear radiation coming down from Fukushima. Americans and even Koreans and Chinese should not fear the chance of radiation blowing across the ocean to your homelands. Instead, if you are lucky enough to not be in NE Japan, focus on how you can help those who are really in need.
DONATE: Japanese Red Cross
DONATE: American Red Cross
Both of these organizations are there on the ground helping the people. If you want to help, click the links.
