Local Gamma ray levels 'are normal'

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JAPANESE FALLOUT

Local Gamma ray levels 'are normal'
By The Nation
2011-03-17

Doctors say Betadine useless against radiation; iodine can work but must be consumed under prescription

The gamma ray levels detected in Thailand are within the normal range, the Office of Atoms for Peace reported yesterday in response to public fears of radiation spreading from a leaking nuclear power plant in Japan.

"Please follow updates about the situation from us," said Chaivat Toskulkao, secretary-general of the OAP.

As of 3.30pm Tuesday, the level of gamma rays stood at 0.045 microSv per hour in Bangkok, 0.042 in Chiang Mai, 0.054 in Khon Kaen, 0.068 in Ubon Ratchathani, 0.084 in Trat, 0.101 in Ranong and 0.050 in Songkhla. The radiation dose can be expressed in units of Sievert (Sv).

On average, a person is exposed to about 3.0mSv per year, of which 80 per cent, or 2.4mSv, is due to naturally-occurring sources such as background radiation, 19.6 per cent, or almost 0.6mSv, is due to the medical use of radiation and the remaining 0.4 per cent, or around 0.01mSv, is due to other sources of human-made radiation.

If people followed the OAP's guidance, they would be assured maximum safety in case of a nuclear emergency, Chaivat added.

Amnart Kusalanant, chairman of the Medical Council, discounted widespread advice to apply Betadine, a topical antiseptic, or take iodine orally.

After radiation was detected in Japan, messages spread around via social networks for Thais to apply Betadine or for pregnant women to take iodine orally, claiming that both methods could keep them safe from possible exposure if radioactive mists reached Thailand.

"Betadine is completely useless in terms of radiation risk," Amnart said.

Iodine could be beneficial but must be used strictly according to a doctor's prescription, he said, adding that expectant mothers should not use iodine in excess either.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also sought to allay public panic over the radiation leak after it was reported that 14 potassium iodine pills were sold on eBay at the rate of US$540 (Bt16,460).

WHO warned that people must consult doctors before taking such medicine and that potassium iodine could not work against some radioactive substances such as Caesium.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he had received a report that 300-400 Thais were near the nuclear power plant that had been rocked by explosions.

The Foreign Ministry was preparing assistance or evacuation, if necessary, for these Thais, he said.

Although he was not an expert in radiation, he believed the distance between Japan and Thailand should be great enough to ease people's fear of becoming exposed.