No Public Health Risk in Oregon from Japanese Radiation Events

Washington County Public Health is working with the Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and the Radiation Protection Services; both are closely monitoring information on the radiation release reported in Japan after explosions at reactor sites.

There have been no elevated radiation readings detected in Oregon and air samples remain normal. Given the current size of the release, the distance from Oregon, and west coast monitoring data, there is no public health risk to Washington County or the state currently.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has two permanent sites set up in the state that provide real-time air monitoring and will provide regular information.

Use of Potassium Iodide IS NOT recommended for people in Oregon at this time because there is no risk.  Potassium Iodide can be harmful to pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding and persons with kidney disease.  

We will continue to work with state and federal partners monitoring work as the situation in Japan develops.

For more information:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx

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