Here we have tried to answer some of your most common questions about the nuclear crisis in Japan.
No. While the nuclear accident in Japan is extremely serious its impact has been on the areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site. Trace amounts of radioactivity from the Japanese accident has been detected in Ireland but the levels are so low as to be of no health concern. The detection of these trace levels reflects the sensitivity of the RPII monitoring equipment.
The Food Safety of Authority of Ireland (www.fsai.ie) has stated that in line with European Union measures to limit possible risks to food safety, Ireland is adopting controls on imports of food and feed from certain localities in Japan, where production could be affected by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This EU legislation, which came into effect on March 27th, will require foods that are imported from Japan to be certified by the Japanese authorities as well as being subject to random testing on arrival in the EU.
In addition, the RPII routinely monitors levels of radioactivity in foodstuffs, including milk produced in Ireland, and this programme is continuing.
Ireland has a network of permanent radiation monitoring stations distributed across the country. The monitoring stations continuously measure gamma radiation and if elevated radiation levels are detected, an alarm system is automatically triggered in the RPII.
In addition, the RPII operates a network of air and rainwater sampling systems. These systems are designed to detect radioactivity at levels far below those that could have health impacts. The monitoring at these stations has been intensified.
No. As of the latest information there has been no significant contamination detected in Tokyo so there is no need for screening or other precautions.
No. Iodine tablets are only of use to some people if taken before or immediately following exposure to radioactive iodine. While radioactive iodine has been released from the stricken Japanese nuclear power plants the release was local to the plant, and while trace amounts of radio-iodine have reached Ireland, the levels are very low and are far below those that would require iodine tablets or other protective actions.
Irish citizens in Japan should observe the advice being given by Japanese authorities, including the 20km exclusion zone around the Fukushima facility, and that residents between 20-30 kilometres of the facility should remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and not use ventilation. Local information is available on: www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/topics/2011/earthquake2011tohoku.html
Avoid all travel to the affected area.
Additional advice is available on the website of the Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs - www.dfa.ie
Refer to the website of the Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs - www.dfa.ie for travel advice.
If the goods were produced and shipped before March 11th or if they were produced and packed at a location outside the 20km evacuation zone surrounding the Fukishima nuclear power plant there is no significant contamination risk.