Organic Well Being: Fukushima Radiation to Peak by 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Fukushima Radiation to Peak by 2015

Posted: 13 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST

In March 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan was hit by a tsunami, causing it to lose all its emergency power. In the plant's struggle to keep its reactors cool, three reactors began to melt while hydrogen explosions barraged the outer buildings. This resulted in the release of radiation and a flood of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean.

The Truth about Fukushima Radiation

Since this disaster, scientists have been monitoring the radioactive byproducts, all of which seem to be heading east towards North American shores. The ocean-borne radiation has taken more than two years to reach the West Coast, so all that remains is lingering radioactivity from cesium-137—the longest living of the two forms of unleashed cesium. According scientists' predictions, radioactivity from cesium-137 should reach its peak by the end of 2015. ^[1]

While the idea of radiation infiltrating local oceans may sound worrisome, experts believe there is little cause for alarm. Even at its peak, levels of cesium-137 radiation will fall substantially below levels that the US government considers unsafe for drinking water. Specifically, radiation levels are predicted to peak at around 3 to 5 Becquerels per cubic meter of water. By way of comparison, the U.S. EPA's drinking-water standard for cesium-137 is 10,000 Becquerels per cubic meter. This level of radiation is even lower than the background radiation levels in much of the ocean, where cesium-137 continues to linger after nuclear testing over the last 50 years.

The Real Effects of Fukushima's Radiation

Lasting effects from the disaster are much more likely to be experienced in Japan, where oceans are saturated with a higher level of radiation. The incident might also cause problems with the migratory patterns of Pacific tuna.

But for North Americans, even with peak levels of cesium-137 in the water, it should still be safe to consume Pacific seafood and swim in the water. In fact, a person who swims for hours each day in the Pacific is likely to absorb less radiation from the water than they would from a single x-ray.

How to Protect Yourself from Radiation Exposure

There are many methods you can employ right now that will amp up your protection from environmental and man-made radiation. I recommend supplementing with nascent iodine, as this will help reduce the likelihood of absorbing too much radioactive iodine. Plus, iodine supports the thyroid which is an organ that plays a role in immune system health. Beets, bee pollen, and organic coconut oil are all natural food products that may also help reduce the effects of radiation.

What are your thoughts on the Fukushima situation? Are there certain precautions you take to protect yourself from radiation? Please share your methods with us in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM