Japan: Nuke Rods Melting In 3 Reactors

[Cheryl Nelson]

Drudge is reporting: 


NUKE RODS MELTING IN 3 REACTORS

Hundreds isolated for fear of contamination...

Japan distributes 230,000 units of iodine at evacuation centers...

'We're told not to breathe the air -- it's scary'...

UPDATE: More than 500,000 evacuated...

 

[Rosemary S]

Just a reminder that if people are using a N95 face mast, The filters are only effective for 8 Hrs. Beyond this, they need to be change.

[Cheryl Nelson]

That's correct, Rosemary.  Dirt and dust are made radioactive and blow around in the air.  If you breathe it, you bring radioactive contaminants into your lungs.  So wearing any barrier, whether an N-95 or a fancy respirator, or even a bandana, will help keep the particulates out of your lungs.  Radioactive particles can be washed off and do minimal if any damage if washed off immediately.

[Rosemary S]

Actually, I think that the translation is wrong. What they mean is that if you venture outside, it is recommended to ware an appropriate face mask. Some of the radioactive elements will hitch up a ride on dust particles.

[Wm]

how do you stop breathing the air

[Kim B]

Argh. Why in the world do stupid humans build reactors in high risk earthquake zones? Double argh!