Radiation Risk from Japan - Mississippi State Department of Health

The Mississippi State Department of Health is consulting with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and national agencies that are monitoring the ongoing release of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

Is radiation released by Japanese nuclear reactors affecting Mississippi?

The Environmental Protection Agency has detected only very low levels of radioactive material in the United States resulting from damaged nuclear reactors in Japan. These low levels were expected and are far below levels of public health concern. More information »
What are the risks to Mississippians?

There are currently no known environmental radiation health risks to Mississippians. The EPA is continually monitoring U.S. air and water for any possible changes. Latest EPA data »
Is food in Mississippi being inspected for radiation?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for monitoring food safety and is currently monitoring and screening food items imported from Japan. FDA safety actions »
Is rainwater and surface water safe?

Several states have reported detecting radioactive iodine in rainfall, but at amounts many times below the level of concern, even if rainwater is your primary source of drinking water. Rain and surface water is safe for drinking, bathing, cooking and washing. More information »
Do I need to take special precautions?

No. Detected radiation is currently far below the level at which it can affect human health, even for high-risk individuals like children and pregnant women.
Should I be taking potassium iodide (KI) to protect myself?

No. The CDC does not recommend potassium iodide tablets at this time. Potassium iodide should only be taken as advised by a medical professional or public health authorities, due to the risk of side effects. More information »

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