Japan Nuclear Radiation Worries

Since the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami, Japan has endured a nuclear crisis that has now lead to two explosions at a nuclear power plant.

Moments ago, a new explosion took place at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, this time in what has been described as its Unit 3 reactor. YouTube video of the new explosion :

This new explosion follows an earlier explosion in the Unit 1 reactor at the same power plant. YouTube video of that explosion :

Video Credit : ProducerMatthew.

The twin disaster is prompting fears about radiation prevention and treatment, including any necessary safety measures that would provide for the public health.

The power plant at Fukushima is approximately 150 miles north from Tokyo. The people living closest to the damaged nuclear power plant had already been told to stay indoors and avoid drinking tap water as a result of the Saturday explosion. Evacuees are being taken to shelters. It is not yet known what other nuclear emergency advisories are being made, or preparations being taken, at other large large cities in Japan. Yesterday, it was also reported that authorities were planning for the distribution of Iodine to residents. (Iodine can be taken to prevent the absorption of radiation by the thyroid, reported MSNBC.)

Is Los Angeles At Risk For Radiation Exposure Following Japanese Nuclear Power Plant Explosion ?

UPDATED : Breaking news :

• NYTimes : Finally, ''Scientists'' Predict Japanese Radiation Plume
• Second U.S. aircraft carrier, 175 miles away from doomed nuclear power plant, detects radiation
• America on radiation alert: Japan faces world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl as experts warn fallout may reach U.S.
• Reuters : ''Minute Levels'' of Radiation Detected in Tokyo
• NYTimes : Employees abandon Fukushima power plant ; Japan Faces Potential Nuclear Disaster as Radiation Levels Rise

UPDATED AND CORRECTED ! Concern for the safety for U.S. cities like Los Angeles following Japan's nuclear plant explosion.

In the latest news report, The Daily Mail reports that the "Nuclear Regulatory Commission admits it is 'quite possible' radiation could reach the U.S." Plus, given that Pacific Ocean jet stream moves wind currents from Japan to the West Coast of the United States, should there be any U.S. public health advisories issued for at-risk cities, like Los Angeles ?

Even as David McIntyre, a spokesman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said, "Right now it's quite possible that there could be some radiation floating over the United States," the NRC "downplayed the threat to Americans," however. Mr McIntyre told the AFP: "We don't think that it would be particularly harmful... even in a worst case scenario," according to The Daily Mail.

Japanese government authorities are issuing emergency orders, advising residents to follow safety procedures and take other precautions following the nuclear power plant explosion in Fukushima. Residents within the immediate Fukushima radius are being told to stay indoors, turn off air conditioners, and avoid drinking tap water.

In The Los Angeles Times, news so far has centered around any lessons to be learned from the Japan earthquake itself, not from the damage to energy infrastructure, like to nuclear power plants, for example.

Thus far, the Japanese government has not issued radiation risk warnings to other countries. As of Saturday evening Japanese local time, an evacuation perimeter of 20 kilometers around the Fukushima nuclear power plant. On the RT news channel, a correspondent has reminded viewers that the Soviet government suppressed for several days the truth about the dangerous radiation levels following the Chernobyl nuclear power plant meltdown.

No announcement have yet to be made about any emergency preparedness plans for residents in Los Angeles, or other major U.S. West Coast cities.

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Related updates :

• Reuters : ''Minute Levels'' of Radiation Detected in Tokyo
• NYTimes : Employees abandon Fukushima power plant ; Japan Faces Potential Nuclear Disaster as Radiation Levels Rise
• USA Today : Blast rocks Fukushima reactor No. 2 ; radioactive leak feared
• CNN : Tests detect radioactivity on 17 U.S. Navy crew members in Japan
• YouTube.com - New (Hydrogen) Explosion At Fukushima Number 3 Reactor (March 14)
• CNN reported on Sunday that nuclear meltdown may be underway
• IAEA issues YouTube video statement