Press Release/ 14 March 2011
Department of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona would like to inform the public that the Philippines is safe from radiation exposure resulting from the damage to Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.
Ona took part in a briefing presided by President Benigno S. Aquino III held this noon to evaluate the possible consequences arising from the Fukushima nuclear plant incident and to consider necessary precautionary measures. Present during the said briefing were Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Communications Development Office Secretary Ricky Carandang as well as officials of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and the National Security Agency.
During the briefing, the PNRI gave assurance that, at present, the Philippines is not in the path of any plume that may have been released by the plant. There was no reported meltdown in the damaged nuclear power plant. As of 11am today the wind pattern in Japan indicates that the Philippines is unlikely to be hit by any radioactive fallout from Fukushima. The PNRI is in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Administration to be abreast of the aftermath of the Fukushima incident. The DOH and all government agencies are monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and have prepared contingency measures.
RADIATION ILLNESS
Press Release/14 March 2011
Exposure from ionizing radiation following nuclear plant accidents may cause acute as well as long-term effects on health.
Health effects are largely determined by the degree and duration of exposure. The highest risk to health is found among nuclear plant workers. Communities a few miles around the plant may also be affected. That is why evacuation maybe necessary to reduce this risk.
Very early occurrence of vomiting or very serious conditions or even death among exposed population, strongly suggest human absorption of very high doses of ionizing radiation. Blood tests may be done to confirm exposure. Geiger counter or dosimeter are also used to monitor progressive exposure to radiation.
Acute illness is known as acute radiation syndrome or radiation poisoning. This manifests as nausea, vomiting, fever or diarrhea. More serious conditions appear with extreme exposure. A latent period follows and lasts for weeks or months. Then more serious conditions affecting other organs may occur. Hair may fall and blood may be found in stools or vomit.
It is important that proper decontamination is done among those exposed. This means removing all clothes and shoes followed by showering. Treatment is given to prevent organ damage.
Long-term effects after exposure include cancers and genetic malformations in fetuses.
Presently, Japanese authorities are implementing containment procedures to eliminate radiation leaks. People have also been evacuated from a 12-mile radius. Hundreds have been screened for radiation exposure and so far no report of any illness was made.
Vic B. Valido
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