Advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan

The recent earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on Friday 11 March has caused major damage to a number of nuclear reactors on the east coast of Japan. The Japanese Government has established an evacuation zone around the affected reactors.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has been closely monitoring the situation, in particular the potential exposure to radiation of Australians in Japan.

Based on advice from the Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) reports that, although unlikely, there is a small chance of exposure to radiation, at very low levels, for people who were in the Fukushima area and for people who were in the Fukushima area or areas affected by radioactive releases since 12 March 2011. The health effects from exposure at these low levels are considered very low to negligible.

For those Australians in Japan but outside the affected areas, based on current information, ARPANSA advises that since the winds are presently blowing off shore from the Fukushima area they are extremely unlikely to be contaminated and the health risks are negligible. As the situation develops, all Australians in Japan are strongly encouraged to continue to follow the protective measures recommended by the Japanese Government.

Given the very low risk of exposure, ARPANSA advises that people should have no physical symptoms. If there is any doubt about contamination this contamination is easily removed by washing your body and clothes.

Australians returning home from Japan are highly unlikely to be contaminated or exposed to significant radiation and will not require checks for radioactivity. However, if people wish to seek medical advice they should contact their local GP.

Meetings are being held with GP representatives, the Department of Health and Ageing, and ARPANSA to discuss the provision of consistent advice to those who present with inquiries about radiation exposure.

Discussions are ongoing between jurisdictions. Further information will be provided as the situation develops.

Advice to Australians remaining in Japan

Current Situation

The recent earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on Friday 11 March has damaged a number of nuclear reactors on the east coast of Japan. The Japanese Government has imposed evacuation zones and shelter in place zones around affected reactors in Fukushima prefecture. These protective action zones may be revised by the Japanese government as circumstances change. ARPANSA will update its advice as events develop.

What do I do?

Australians remaining in Japan should follow any protective measures recommended by the Japanese government. This may include evacuation or shelter in place orders.

Australians remaining in Japan should not travel to the exclusion zones.

ARPANSA and the Chief Medical Officer advise that iodine prophylaxis is only required when exposed to substantial radiation doses. It is not considered necessary for Australians remaining outside protective action zones.

What are the symptoms of radiation exposure?

Radiation health effects are related to the magnitude and duration of exposure. Low level radiation exposure produces no physical symptoms. There is no specific test available for low level exposure and no treatment is required.

Australians in Japan may find www.mofa.go.jp/ an helpful English language website with local information.

Advice to Australians returning from Japan who have concerns about possible exposure to radiation

Current Situation

The recent earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on Friday 11 March has damaged a number of nuclear reactors on the east coast of Japan. The Japanese Government has established evacuation zones around the affected reactors in Fukushima prefecture. The Japanese government is providing regular updates on required exclusion zones.

Based on advice from the Japanese government the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) reports that, although unlikely, there is a small chance of exposure to radiation, at very low levels, for people who were in the Fukushima area or areas affected by radioactive releases since 12 March 2011.

The health effects from exposure at these low levels are considered very low to negligible.

If you were in Japan, but outside these areas ARPANSA advises that you are extremely unlikely to have been exposed to even low levels of radiation.

What to do if you are worried?

The Japanese government have been screening people where they believe this is necessary. Residual contamination from low levels of exposure is readily removed by showering, washing your body, hair and clothes.

For very low levels of radiation exposure there is no specific test available and no treatment is required. However, if on return to Australia you and your family are concerned you should visit your local GP and let them know where in Japan you were.

What are the symptoms of radiation exposure?

Given the low levels of possible exposure no physical symptoms of radiation exposure are expected to be observed.

Again, if on your return you feel unwell, you should visit your local GP.