Politics & Government
County Says No Radiation Danger Here
Radiation leaks in Japan raise concern locally—but taking iodide pills may be real risk.
The radiation from Japanese nuclear plants poses no threat for Mountain View, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department said in an advisory Tuesday.
"There is currently no danger to California residents from Japan's nuclear emergency and no reason for residents to be concerned about possible radiation effects," the statement said.
The county added that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will closely monitor the situation and work with authorities and experts in the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and California Emergency Management Agency.
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Further, the CDPH does not recommend that people take potassium iodide pills at this time, because it can pose a danger to people with thyroid disease or who are allergic to iodine, shellfish or seafood.
Residents may call the public health hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with specific questions concerning this incident. The number is 916-341-3947.
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Information on radiation is also available at cdc.gov.
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