When a normal person hears about a possible nuclear fallout, most likely, they're going to freak – even just a little. I mean, it's one of the main terms that seem to be tossed around during disaster flicks, when an entire population is about to be wiped off the face of the planet. So – should we be cowering under our desks over the nuclear issues looming over Japan?
According to the World Health Organization and Japan's Prime Minister, not quite.
While some people may be wondering if we have another Chernobyl on our hands, the World Health Organization wants us to know that this is nothing like the 1986 Ukrainian disaster. Chernobyl had explosions and fires, whereas radioactivity from the Fukushima plant in Japan is staying put inside the reactor.
There is, however, still some bad news. Long-term exposure to even slight radiation (the reactor will have to go through "periodic venting of radioactive steam" for months) carries risks, and scientists aren't completely sure what the end result will be, especially since they're still studying Chernobyl.
According to MNN.com, "studies have found that low level exposures [to radioactivity] can lead to increases in breast cancer, leukemia, premature aging, strokes, and heart attacks."
As the rest of the world keeps its eye on Fukushima, residents will have to make their own decisions about moving back to the area, once rebuilding begins. In any case, it will be a slow process, and the more we in the states can do to help, the better. Contacting the Red Cross online, or even texting 'redcross' to 90999 (where a $10 donation will be made and show up on your next phone bill) are two quick ways to show your support to those who now need to spend many years getting their lives back together.
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