Statement Regarding Fears of Radiation Exposure to North America
Topic: Warnings and Advisories
Author: The Endocrine Society
Published: 2011/03/18 - Updated: 2017/12/24
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Fears of radiation exposure to the population in North America from the potential plume of radioactivity crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Introduction
Radiation risks to health:
Main Item
A joint statement from leading scientific experts regarding fears of radiation exposure to the population in North America from the potential plume of radioactivity crossing the Pacific Ocean.
The growing concern surrounding the release of radiation from an earthquake and tsunami-stricken nuclear complex in Japan has raised fears of radiation exposure to populations in North America from the potential plume of radioactivity crossing the Pacific Ocean.
To help Americans understand their radiation-related health risks, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American Thyroid Association (ATA), The Endocrine Society and the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) issued a joint statement (www.endo-society.org/advocacy/policy/upload/Joint-Statement-on-Radiation-Risks-to-Health.pdf).
The statement suggests that the principal radiation source of concern, in regard to impact on health, is radioactive iodine including iodine-131. This presents a special risk to health because exposure of the thyroid to high levels may lead to development of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer years later.
Radioactive iodine uptake to the thyroid can be blocked by taking potassium iodide (KI) pills. However the statement cautions KI should not be taken unless there is a clear risk of exposure to high levels of radioactive iodine.
While some radiation may be detected in the United States as a result of the nuclear reactor accident in Japan, current estimates indicate radiation levels will not be harmful to the thyroid gland or general health.
If radiation levels did warrant the use of KI, the statement recommends it should be taken as directed by physicians or public health authorities until the risk for significant exposure dissipates.
The statement discourages individuals needlessly purchasing or hoarding of KI in the United States.
Since there is not a radiation emergency in the United States or its territories, the statement does not support the ingestion of KI prophylaxis at this time. KI can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, salivary gland inflammation, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in a small percentage of people.
AACE, ATA, The Endocrine Society and SNM will continue to monitor potential risks to health from this accident and will issue amended advisories as warranted.
Explore Related Topics
1 - ADA and COVID-19 Fraudulent Face Mask Flyers - U.S. Department Of Justice warns of inaccurate flyers and postings regarding the use of face masks and The Americans With Disabilities Act.
2 - Coronavirus Pandemic: COVID-19 Updates and Statistics - Regular updates, statistics, warnings, and current information resources from the U.S. CDC regarding the new novel coronavirus, referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
3 - Important Safety Tips and Guidelines for Halloween - Hints and tips provided by authoritative sources including U.S. FDA, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enjoy a safe Halloween.
4 - Scammers Target Consumers with Fake FDA Warning Letters - U.S. FDA warns consumers about criminals forging FDA warning letters to target people who tried to purchase medicines online or over the phone.
5 - Interior Car Temperature Can Become Life-threatening for Children in an Hour - An average of 37 children in the US die each year due to complications of hyperthermia after being trapped in overheated, parked cars.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): The Endocrine Society. (2011, March 18 - Last revised: 2017, December 24). Statement Regarding Fears of Radiation Exposure to North America. Disabled World. Retrieved October 15, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/emergency/advisories/exposure.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/emergency/advisories/exposure.php">Statement Regarding Fears of Radiation Exposure to North America</a>: Fears of radiation exposure to the population in North America from the potential plume of radioactivity crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.