By Elena Arteaga - Web Producer
Monday, March 14, 2011 - 2:47pm
JAPAN— The death toll could reach 10,000 according to new reports, and
concerns over radiation exposure have raised new fears.
Several nuclear reactors in Japan have been affected by the earthquake
and tsunami that hit the island country on Friday. Explosions at
nuclear reactor sites are raising fears about radiation exposure.
Although the exposure is estimated to be less than 10 percent of a
typical chest x-ray, those who have been exposed have been
quarantined.
The Japanese Government has distributed 230,000 doses of stable iodine
to evacuation centers— in case a large meltdown does occur. The pills
would prevent radioactive iodine from accumulating in the thyroid—
without the pill, the accumulation could cause cancer. While another
explosion occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant Monday, plant
officials said the core is still intact.
Japanese meteorologists said that in the event of further radiation
leaks, winds headed east into the Pacific could help dissipate any
chemicals.
Nuclear medicine specialists said people living near the reactor sites
have a higher risk of facing other health threats. The lack of clean
water, the risk of additional earthquakes— or aftershocks, fires,
explosions, and other risks are higher than the risk of radiation. At
least 18 million people have spent the past three nights without food,
water, or electricity, and the lack of heat in near freezing
temperatures is another major concern.
Japan's Kyodo News Agency said 2,000 bodies have been found in two
coastal towns.
The American Red Cross estimated that more than half a million people
have been displaced by the natural disaster, and many of them could be
in need of minor to serious medical aid.
