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Community Corner

Don't Fear Radiation Levels, Officials Say

Governor Jerry Brown and the California Department of Health say residents should not fear radiation emissions from Japan.

From President Barack Obama and California’s regional environmental protection agency, to Governor Jerry Brown and the California department of public health, government officials continue to assure Americans that theyneed not fear harmful radiation emissions from Japan.

“There is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in the United States, based on the situation to date and a review of actual monitored levels by the AQMD [Air Quality Management District],” William A. Burke, chairman of the regional South Coast Air Quality Management District, said in a statement.

The AQMD operates three outdoor radiation monitors in Southern California together with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radiation levels are recorded every hour and sent to the EPA. The California Department of Public Health operates an additional radiation monitor in Southern California as well.

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Residents can get a daily update on Southern California radiation levels from the AQMD website. Sign up for a daily email alert or go to the site for a current reading.

“As of today, radiation levels measured at three regional sites operated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have not been higher than typical ‘background’ levels seen before the earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” the site says. “In the unlikely event that this changes, these extremely sensitive monitors will detect any change in outdoor radiation levels and it will be reported on this website.”

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Governor Jerry Brown and the interim director of the California Department of Public Health, Dr. Howard Backer, also issued a statement Friday, assuring Californians that they should not be concerned about radiation.

“As this very tragic situation in Japan unfolds, I want Californians to know that we are closely monitoring any potential impact on our state. I also want to emphasize that there is no threat to the people of California due to radiation in Japan,” Brown said.

“The California Department of Public Health and our Emergency Management Agency are in constant contact with the federal agencies responsible for monitoring radiation levels in California, and we will tell the public if any precautions become necessary. However, there is no cause for alarm,” he added.

Backer stated that his department is monitoring the situation in Japan and reiterated both Governor Brown’s and President Obama’s sentiments saying, “There is no threat to California and people should not be taking precautionary health measures.”

Backer added,  “Potassium iodide is only appropriate for much higher levels of radiation that may be generated within close proximity to a nuclear source.”

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s response to the situation can be foundhere.

Californians with questions about radiation exposure can contact the California Department of Public Health’s Emergency Operations information line at 916-341-3947.

For updated information on response and relief efforts in California and Japan, please visit the California Emergency Management Agency website.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is the lead federal agency responsible for monitoring radiation levels in California. 

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