Update on the Situation in Japan and Preventive Steps

Today’s headlines from Japan are not promising.

Yahoo News reports “Japan Takes Desperate Steps as Alarm Rises.”

The New York Times writes somberly “Radiation Hinders Cooling Attempts.”

The situation appears to be out of control, and no reliable information is forthcoming from either the Japanese government or Tokyo Electric.

What is clear is that radiation levels are dangerously high there. Computer models predict that the radioactive cloud will arrive in California on Friday. This suggests that we will experience higher levels of radiation in the Northeast starting around Monday.

Levels here are expected to be low, but cannot now be predicted as we have little reliable information about the situation in Japan.

There is no reason to panic: the distance is great and much of the radioactive material will be dispersed over the ocean.

But we want to be on the safe side. While the probability of dangerous radiation here is low, the cost of preventive steps is even lower (unless you have an allergy to Iodine). Young people and those with risk factors for cancer are strongly advised to take them. The time to start is now.

Starting tomorrow you can take these preventive steps:

1. Buy in CVS Providone Iodine Solution (1% iodine) and apply it topically! Do this once every day!

Do not take this orally: it is for topical use only, as shown on this picture.

The exact received dose cannot be measured. Do not use it if you have allergy to iodine.

2. Use dry sea weed in cooking. Sea weed is a good source of iodine. i cooked dry sea weed with my brown rice

3. Remember to take your multi-vitamins and minerals. Iodine is not the only one radioactive substance in the air from japan. Caesium-137 is water-soluble and chemically toxic in small amounts. It has a half-life of about 30.17 years. Vitamin C, E and mineral Selenium are strong anti-oxidants, and are contained in your multi-vitamins and minerals

I’ll be in my Stanford office today (Thursday, March 17, 2011) from 4:45 till 6:15. You may drop in at that time to talk to me and pick up potassium iodine pills.

If danger of radiation increases I’ll open my offices on Saturday or Sunday so that you may come and pick up 2% Iodine solution (Lugol’s solution). I have it ordered and hope it will be here Friday.

You may consider buying you-own Lugol’s solution. Take 2 drops in one ounce of water for adults, one drop for children under twelve.

Remember, my supplies are limited.

Look for my e-mail updates on Saturday and Sunday.

March 17th 1:49 pm

vw

call me if you have any Q: 203-331-1490