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Surviving Nuclear Radiation
A complete meltdown could release uranium and dangerous contaminants into
the environment and pose major, widespread
health risks
An explosion Monday(14/3/11) rocked the second of three reactors at
earthquake-ravaged Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex, but officials
insisted that radiation levels near the facility were safe, according to news
reports. A similar explosion at a second reactor at the complex occurred on
Saturday. The explosions prompted an order for hundreds of people to stay
indoors, the Associated Press reported. Following Monday's explosion,
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio Edano, said the containment vessel
holding radioactive nuclear rods at the reactor was intact, allaying some fears
of health threats to the public.
Effects of radiation
Our knowledge of radiation effects derives primarily from groups of people
who have received high doses. The risk associated with large radiation doses is
relatively well established. However, the risks associated with doses under
about 200 mSv are less obvious because of the large underlying incidence of
cancer caused by other factors. Radiation protection standards assume that
any dose of radiation, no matter how small, involves a possible risk to human
health. However, available scientific evidence does not indicate any cancer risk
or immediate effects at doses below 100 mSv a year. At low levels of exposure,
the body's natural repair mechanisms seem to be adequate to repair radiation
damage to cells soon after it occurs.
Breathing in or eating food contaminated with radioactive iodine can cause
thyroid cancer. Food can become contaminated as the radioactive dust settles on
crops and even grass that cows or other animals eat. Radioactive cesium can
cause more damage long-term, including cancer and lung problems. High exposure
levels can cause acute radiation syndrome, even death. Syndrome will cause
symptoms of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and diarrhea.
Protecting yourself and your family
There are four ways in which people are protected from identified radiation
sources:
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Limiting time. In occupational situations, dose is reduced by limiting
exposure time.
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Distance. The intensity of radiation decreases with distance from its
source. How far the radioactivity might spread would depend on weather
conditions such as wind and rain. These factors also need to be taken into
account when deciding how far to move people from potential danger.
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Shielding. Barriers of lead, concrete or water give good protection from
high levels of penetrating radiation such as gamma rays. Intensely
radioactive materials are therefore often stored or handled under water, or
by remote control in rooms constructed of thick concrete or lined with lead.
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All food should be washed and people should avoid any contaminated milk
and meat.
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Containment. Highly radioactive materials are confined and kept out of
the workplace and environment. Nuclear reactors operate within closed
systems with multiple barriers which keep the radioactive materials at
distance.
Foods to counter radiation effects
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Take potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets to help
block your
thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. Interestingly enough,
according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical
Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by
painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm
approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets
are best, but if they�re not available this is the next best thing.
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Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal
detoxifier, has also
shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should
therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive
contamination.
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Consumption of
sea vegetables e.g. kelp contain a polysaccharide substance, called
sodium alginate, help eliminate radioactive strontium from the body.
Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake
of iodine-131 while iron inhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and
plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12 inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear
medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake and sulfur is preventative for
sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body.
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The kelps and algaes aren�t the only natural foods with
radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, black and
green
tea have shown �radioprotective effects� whether consumed either before
or after exposure to radiation.
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Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your
immune system after
radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It�s been
used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster
after potentially deadly exposure.
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The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in
case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation
exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to
prevent hematopoietic syndrome.
An anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:
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Miso soup
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Spirulina, chlorella
and the algaes (kelp, etc.)
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Brassica vegetables
and high beta carotene vegetables
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Beans and lentils
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Potassium, calcium and
mineral rich foods
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High nucleotide
content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina,
chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel
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Cod liver oil and
olive oil
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Avoid sugars and
sweets and wheat
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A good multivitamin/multimineral
supplement
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If none of these self-help remedies provides help, see your doctor for a
thorough examination.
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