Public Health Information about Japanese Nuclear Threat

This is information from CHD Public Health regarding concerns about radiation from Japan's failing nuclear facilities. In sum, there is no likely risk to Oregonians. If there was a risk, our public health partners would react very quickly to it.

Please feel free to contact Anne Parrott, the public health preparedness coordinator, if you have questions about health effects or contact us regarding any other disaster-related questions at 503-366-3931 or emergency.management@co.columbia.or.us .

Thanks,

Columbia County Emergency Management

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All,

There is much concern and confusion in our communities regarding the risk of radiation exposure in the Pacific NW and the possible need to begin taking potassium iodide/iodine to lessen the risk of developing future health problems due to radiation exposure. We have been informed by our federal and state Public Health experts that it is highly unlikely that Oregon citizens will be at risk for radiation exposure from the Japanese nuclear reactor malfunctions and the only people who should take potassium iodide/iodine are those that are within a few miles of the nuclear site. They have also warned us that potassium iodide/iodine can present health risks to pregnant women, women who are nursing and people with diabetes.

We encourage you to share this information with your staff/employees, community partners, family, friends, etc.

Anne Parrott, M.S.

Coordinator: Public Health Preparedness

Columbia County Medical Reserve Corps

Columbia County Push Partner Registry

Columbia County SNS

Columbia Health District - Public Health Authority

Office: 503-397-4651 x2022

Email: aparrott@chdpublichealth.com