While health experts are worried, so far, there are few facts to go on. Priot to the latest emergency, radiations levels at the plant reched roughly half the average annual dose in the U.S.
Radiation exposure to humans can permanently damage the DNA and RNA of cells.
Dr. Curtis Miyamoto, the director of radiation oncology at Temple University Hospital, says the effect depends on the dose.
"Low doses mean bone marrow damage, and intermediate doses mean damage to the gastrointestinal tract," Dr. Miyamoto told Action News. The effect on the GI tract is similar to what cancer patients can experience during radiation treatments.
"Higher doses destroy the brain and central nervous system," Dr. Miyamoto went on.
When radiation damages the GI tract or the central nervous system, the prognosis is poor, and death can come within a few weeks, according to Dr. Miyamoto.
Ed Aguilar, a nuclear expert with Physicians for Social Responsibility says cesium 127, strontium 90, and iodine 131 are likely being released by the plant, and being carried in the air. And he believes there is radiation coming from at least 3 of the reactors at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant.
He says alpha particles, the least damaging ones, have likely blown away with the wind, causing the drop in radiation levels reported today around the plant.
But Aguilar says that doesn't mean less danger. Radioactive particles have fallen out of the air, and are on hard surfaces all around the area. They can still be inhaled or ingested. And even if the plants avoid a meltdown, low-level radiation will likely be a factor to deal with for a long time to come.
The iodine tablets being distributed in the disaster area will only absorb the radioactive iodine, according to Aguilar. That will protect the thyroid gland, however cesium and strontium isotopes can still damage other areas of the body.
Strontium often accumulates on grass, and can be ingested by cows.
"The implications for the Japanese populace are genetic problems, and cancer," says Dr. Miyamoto.
Dr. Zenia Chernyk, who has treated many who were injured by the Chernobyl disaster, says, "There is no end to it (the damage). People carry it on," as they pass their DNA on to future generations.
For the U-S, the concern is that the jet stream winds will carry the radioactive plume onto our shores.
Fortunately, says Aguilar, seismic sensors in the ocean should detect that. They are designed not just to pick up earthquakes, but nuclear tests, and with them, changes in atmospheric activity.
