I just did some scrambling to figure out if I should run down to Walgreens at 1:35 am Seattle time. I am only basing it on Chernobyl - not sure if this Japanese reactor will be worse (more fuel rods I guess) or not (different type of design).
Anyway - at Chernobyl, ill effects of radioactive iodine extended to 200 to 300 miles or so. At least based on the one fairly scientific paper I read. With Seattle being over 4500 miles away - I think I’ll call it a night instead and not worry about it. Although - it could hurt to have it on hand.
I have a hypothyroid already (not working!), and it looked like use of KI in kids (like mine) can also cause it if you overdose. If mine runs in the family, I don’t want to make it worse by giving them KI. It sounds like KI is readily absorbed, so maybe I WILL buy some “just in case”. Although I imagine that 4500 miles is a HUGE buffer.
I recall in the little bit of rad training I took they made a point of saying not to freak out, but stop, note the measurement, and then back off from a hot zone. Time (well, a short time) and distance are your friend.
Absolutely. And you can bet that your top state emergency management people are watching this and will advise the public if any precautions become necessary. The people I work with here in Illinois are top notch and this is what they live for. No point in putting yourself at risk for no good reason.
I think that's a reasonable, and level-headed response. The worst thing folks can do right now, is to start panicking. Even worse, is to start a stampede of panic, like some seem to be doing.
We'll know a lot more about all this tomorrow. We'll also be inundated with the screams of Chicken Littles, so keep your head screwed on straight.
Figure dilution AND the path of the prevailing wind currents, too.