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PAGASA: 'Amihan' winds from Japan carry no radioactive threat
Winds from Northern Japan may reach the Philippines on Friday but these will carry no radioactive threat, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday. PAGASA said the winds will dilute any possible radioactive material and a frontal system east of Japan will cause such material to settle before they reach the Philippines. PAGASA said it will continuously give updates if any significant change in wind motion is observed. Those with questions may call the PAGASA Weather Division at 927-1541 for clarification. "Available DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-PAGASA numerical simulations show that by Friday, winds associated with the Northeast monsoon that will affect the Philippines will be coming from Northern Japan," Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said in a news release posted on the PAGASA website. "Nonetheless, the winds which may carry any radioactive material from the Fukushima nuclear power plant will not affect any part of the country," Yumul said. "Aside from dilution of any possible radioactive material carried by the winds, a frontal system east of Japan associated with rainfall will cause its settlement," he added. PAGASA said the northeast monsoon in the northern hemisphere is still in its active phase but its intensity and effect in the Philippines are gradually decreasing. It said this is supported by an increase in temperature in most PAGASA weather stations during the past few days. Normal levels
Acute health effects of radiation exposure:
Health effects are largely determined by the degree and duration of exposure.
If the dose of radiation exceeds a certain threshold level, then it can produce acute effects, such as skin redness, hair loss, radiation burns, and acute radiation syndrome.
In a nuclear power plant incident, the general population is not likely to be exposed to doses high enough to cause such effects.
Rescuers, first responders and nuclear power plant workers are more likely to be exposed to doses of radiation high enough to cause acute effects. Manifestations of acute radiation syndrome or radiation poisoning:
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Diarrhea
Hairfall
Blood in stool or vomit Long-term effects that can be expected from radiation exposure:
Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of cancer.
Radioactive iodine can be released during nuclear emergencies. If breathed in or swallowed, it will concentrate in the thyroid gland and increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Exposure to radiation when pregnant may lead to genetic malformations in fetuses. Source: World Health Organization, Department of Health
Meanwhile on Thursday, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) assured the public that it is capable of screening people who may be exposed to high levels of radiation. At a press briefing, PNRI Director Alumandra dela Rosa while radiation levels in the Philippines are normal, the PNRI wants to assure the public that it has adequate equipment to screen people contaminated with radiation. The equipment are portable and can be carried by hand in emergency situations, she said. Dela Rosa also said they also have equipment to measure levels of radiation in food products. However, there have been no recommendations to screen food items imported from Japan, she said. - with a report from Candice Montenegro, VVP, GMA News
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