AAP-Letter about Nuclear Crisis and Japan Earthquake

Our hearts go out to everyone that has been affected by the Earthquake in Japan. We know that it may have been family or friends that have experienced this horrible disaster. We also know that many people are concerned about the radiation level in the United States. Dr Lynch received this letter from the AAP yesterday about the concerns of the Nuclear Crisis. Please read below and look at the wonderful links at the bottom of this article.

Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Crisis March 16, 2011 From: AAP Executive Committee

The AAP conveys its heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by the earthquakes, tsunami and resulting nuclear power plant crisis in Japan. The AAP has contacted the Japan Pediatric Society and offered to provide support. We have heard from members that parents in the U.S. have questions about radiation. Federal and state agencies have been monitoring air and water in the U.S. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has stated that currently there is no health risk for radiation exposure to U.S. residents from events in Japan. People in the U.S. need not be concerned about additional health risks as a result of this disaster. They should not use countermeasures such as potassium iodide unless advised to by local or federal health authorities. Previous disasters and the current events in Japan can serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster planning for health care providers, families, and communities. Improving day-to-day emergency readiness begins with personal and family preparedness. AAP members should develop their own plans and talk with parents about family emergency preparedness. As pediatricians, we know that images and news accounts of disasters can be extremely distressing, especially for children. You can help by encouraging parents and caregivers to minimize children's access to the media. Remember that if parents are watching, listening, or viewing news media, children are also being exposed. Encourage parents to ask questions about what children have already heard and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner, while assuring them about their safety. For more information on responding to parents' concerns, including a tip sheet you may post or e-mail to patients, visit healthychildren.org.
Additional References
Links: CDC Information http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp
AAP Children and Disasters Web site http://www.aap.org/disasters/index.com
Helping Children Understand and Cope with Disasters http://www.aap.org/disasters/adjustment.com
Radiation Disasters in Children http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/pediatrics;111/6/1455
We will keep you updated if any information that we receive.