California not in danger from radiation from Japan

Radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan will not endanger people in California - even if worst-case scenarios unfold there, state and local health officials said today.

Amid reports that winds could deliver a "radioactive plume" to the West Coast as early as Friday, California and Los Angeles County officials called a news conference to tamp down public fear and urge residents against taking potassium iodide.

"I think the biggest health impact is the psychological impact," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County's public health officer. "When people hear the word `radiation,' it creates fear that's disproportionate to the threat."

Fielding and California officials said they any radiation emitted by the failing Japanese nuclear reactors would would dissipate during the 5,000-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.

Even if increased radiation is detected by monitors in California, it would be the equivalent to "natural background levels" in air and soil, said Dr. Howard Backer, interim director of the state Department of Public Health.

Taking potassium iodide tablets - which shield the thyroid from exposure to radiation - would only cause unpleasant side-effects, the officials said.

They said if people want to be prepared, they should take the opportunity to put together an earthquake kit that includes food, water, clothing, medications, a first-aid kit, and a battery-operated radio.

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Dayton, acting secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency, said the state has radiation monitoring equipment in eight places, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

Backer said predicting when radiation could reach California is difficult because "there's not a cloud we can track."

The officials said they based their conclusions on data about situation in Japan provided by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

They vowed to be "transparent" in keeping the public aware if risks arise.

California Department of Public Health spokesman Mike Sicilia said the agency has received several hundred phone calls a day from concerned citizens since the March 11 earthquake in Japan caused damage to the Fukushima nuclear complex, releasing radiation that endangers people nearby.

Sicilia said information about emergency preparedness can be found at calema.ca.gov, information about radiation is available at cdph.ca.gov, and at the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline 800-232-4636.

Jill Arrington Kelly Brook Eliza Dushku Jennifer Gimenez Laura Harring