Potassium Iodide tablets

Q. Why are potassium iodide tablets used during emergencies involving radiation exposure?
A. Potassium iodide tablets may be recommended to individuals who are at risk for radiation exposure or have been exposed to excessive radiation to block the body’s absorption of radioactive iodine. Using potassium iodide when inappropriate could have potential serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding.

Q. Should I be taking potassium iodide to protect myself?
A. No. Potassium iodide tablets are not recommended at this time, and can present a danger to people with allergies to iodine, shellfish or who have thyroid problems.
Q. Should I purchase potassium iodide as a precaution?
A. No. Potassium iodide is only appropriate within a very close proximity to a nuclear event. Using potassium iodide when inappropriate could have potential serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding.

New Website from Public Health

We are pleased to announce that the Oregon Public Health Division has launched its new website. The new website will allow us to better fulfill our key role of sharing health information. You will notice that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) standards are applied to the websites.

The main Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness page is accessible at: http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness

Oregon Public Health web site link - KI pills are not necessary

There is NO NEED to take potasium iodide pills (KI) It is not necessary, not appropriate and is not safe!!! These pills are only used at the site of the accident. Also, people can overdose on these and they can be dangerous for pregnant women.

Do not worry! Nothing has been detected and there is no expectation of an contamination here.

Use this link for more information concerning the Japan nuclear issue and how it will not affect Oregon.

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

There are monitoring stations throughout the country.

Nuclear event in Japan poses no health risk in Oregon; state continues monitoring

STATEMENT FROM OREGON PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION DIRECTOR MEL KOHN, M.D., M.P.H. The Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and the Radiation Protection Services are closely monitoring information on the radiation release reported in Japan after an explosion at a reactor site Saturday.

There have been no elevated radiation readings detected in Oregon and air samples remain normal. Given the current size of the release and the distance from Oregon, we do not expect that to change and there is no public health risk to the state. We are also in contact with our federal partners including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Oregon state health department will continue its monitoring work as the situation in Japan develops and changes.

The EPA website also has good information in their live feed section.

Tsunami waves still dangerous

Please stay off the coast. I am watching TV and see people on the beach with children. The first Tsunami wave is not the largest and even if we get small waves - they could be traveling very fast and are dangerous.

Waves could be unusual for a few hours. Please - stay off the beach.

Japan Earthquake will cause Oregon Tsunami

Good morning readers. As you know, Japan had an 8.9 earthquake last night. This has caused tsunami warnings all along our coast. The warning means that a tsunami with significan widespread inundation is imminent or expected. Dangerous coastal flooing accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

We are expecting waves from 3 1/2 feet to 6 1/2 feet. The farther south you go on the coast, the higher the wave will be. Arrival time is between 7:15 and 7:30.

Please stay away from the beach! Coastal communities are evacuating away from the immediate coast.

Thank you. Be careful.