No Japan-Related Radiation Risk Expected for Wyoming

An official from the Wyoming Department of Health is offering advice related to ongoing concerns about the Japanese nuclear plant damaged by the recent earthquake and tsunami. State Epidemiologist and Deputy State Health Officer Dr. Tracy Murphy released the following statement:

“While the recent events in Japan are certainly tragic and dramatic, there is NO related radiation exposure risk in Wyoming at this time and NO reasonable expectation that a related public health risk will develop here.

“For Wyoming residents who are wondering if they should be taking potassium iodide (commonly referred to as KI) as a precaution due to the Japanese emergency, the answer is definitely no. While potassium iodide can help protect the thyroid gland from harmful radiation in certain cases, it should only be taken if exposure to considerably elevated doses of radiation is expected. Again, there is no expectation this will happen in Wyoming.

“Potassium iodide is intended for people close to the source of high levels of radioactive iodine, such as nuclear plant workers or nearby residents who may not be able to leave the area quickly during an incident. Again, we are not recommending its use for people who live thousands of miles away from the affected area.”