Here is a letter my mom got from one of her co-workers

[spacemonkeyluvn]

Just some tips on being safe when it comes to (possible) radiation :)

Nothing too serious, don't get stressed, but just so you are aware there is the possibility that some of the plumes from Fukushima may approach the west coast. This would probably be around the middle of next week and after. It should be no problem at all, any amount should be very minor and it should be relatively easy to avoid any danger. But I thought I would write you all a short email to give you tools to understand how it functions and what to do so you would have good information far ahead of time if you need it. Please be aware that this is just me being paranoid for the ones I love. As you all know, I have been preparing vigilantly for this event for 30 years. I am living my nightmare.

There are three main types of radionuclides, gamma radiation, beta radiation and alpha particles. Gamma radiation is in waves, and can pass through almost anything, like x-rays. These will all stay very close to the reactor site and are not an issue. Beta radiation will cause external burns to the skin. These also will not ever reach the west coast. The thing that you have to worry about are alpha particles. This is true for us as well, the only thing that could reach us is alpha particles.

Alpha particles comes down as fallout. It is in particle form, as opposed to wave form. They cannot penetrate anything, paper can stop them. So the danger with alpha particles is to internalize them: to inhale, swallow or absorb them through cuts in the skin. Alpha particles drift from the plume, or from the air and "fall out" to the ground. They tend to attach themselves to water molecules, and hence they come down in much higher quantities with any precipitation. Alpha particle distribution will be really irregular, an area will not all receive the same amount.


Alpha particles can be largely protected against. Here are things that you can do:

-stay out of the rain. Use an umbrella and a hat. Don't put these things in your house, leave them at the door.

-take your shoes off and don't wear them into the house. Often alpha particles may cling to the bottoms of our shoes, and wearing them into the house tracks them around to places like your kitchen.

-wear a light jacket outdoors and take this off as soon as you get home and leave it by the door.

-wash your food.

-don't drink water that is sitting out in a glass or bottle.

-rinse a glass before you fill it with water.

-bandage any cuts in your skin, however small so that the cuts are not open to the air.

-wash your hands and face, often, and every time you come in from outside.

-if serious levels are detected, wear a mask like people do for pollen.

If plumes do reach the west coast, most of the alpha particles will already have fallen out into the ocean. The levels would be really low. But even single alpha particles are dangerous, so even if they are low, it is best to take precautions.