[Quix]

Some folks live in hysteria/ anxiety attacks/ anxiety disorders 24/7/365 more or less regardless . . .

How does one balance the legitimate need to avoid undue hysteria

and the need to have people prepare as much as they can for highly probable disasters/traumas?

[arrogantsob]

Equanimity is a very valuable trait and should be cultivated. As far has knowing what to fear we need to remember that there was a period (a long period) wherein there were dozens or more nuclear tests being performed every year by the US and Soviet Union. Those tests were throwing tons of radiated materials thousands of feet in the air. And they came down in the US for the most part. The current problem in Japan is a disaster for them but radiated materials are not being thrown thousands of feet up but small amounts are being thrown hundreds. This means they do not get into the jet streams which circulate at high altitudes thus will not be carried thousands of miles. So there is little for us to fear in that regard. We are not speaking of nuclear explosions but explosions of a chemical nature far, far less powerful.