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STATE ADVISES RESIDENTS: DO NOT TAKE POTASSIUM IODIDE

Minor Increase in Radiation Levels Poses No Public Health Threat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Health advises residents that there is no need to purchase or take potassium iodide (KI) because of the on-going nuclear crisis in Japan and the recently reported minor increase in radiation levels in Tennessee. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also has issued guidance stating that taking KI is not recommended. KI is given to people who are exposed to certain types of radioactivity.

"There is no reason for Tennesseans to purchase or take potassium iodide," said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. "The state has a supply of KI, but only to be used if there is an emergency or a risk of harm to Tennesseans. There is neither a cause of concern nor a risk to public or individual health. The state epidemiologist will recommend use of potassium iodide for residents if ever the need occurs."

KI is a chemical compound that can be used for short term protection of the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine, only one of many radioactive materials that may be released from a nuclear power plant. KI is only effective at protecting a person's thyroid gland from airborne or ingested radioiodine if taken within a relatively narrow time frame prior to or after exposure. It does not protect any other organs in the body.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported today that routine and ongoing state air monitoring indicates the presence of very low levels of Iodine-131, an isotope linked to the Japanese power plant. Tennessee’s results are consistent with sampling results reported by federal agencies, licensees and neighboring states.

Because of the low threat of radioactivity exposure in the United States, the federal government is not advising people to take any protective measures at this time. Staying informed is the best step for people to take.

Radiation is present in our environment, usually at very low levels known as background radiation. In addition, people who undergo certain medical tests or procedures such as an X-ray are exposed to low-level radiation that is generally not considered harmful.

TDOH has no reason to believe radiation from Japan will affect Tennessee. The levels of radiation being released from the damaged nuclear power plants in Japan are constantly being assessed. The department will continue to receive information from federal and state agencies to determine appropriate steps to take as the situation in Japan evolves, and will issue additional guidance as needed.

For more information about the Japan nuclear emergency, see www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/japan/ki.asp. To learn more about radiation, go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/. Details and information about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission are available online at http://www.nrc.gov/

PRECAUTIONS NEEDED FOR GENERATOR USE

Two Tenn. Deaths Attributed to Improper Use

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It was recently reported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency that two individuals succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use of a generator. In the aftermath of recent tornadoes and with flooding predicted for more areas of the state, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds residents of the importance of taking precautions to stay safe from illness and injury. Thousands of Tennesseans lost electrical service to their homes and businesses due to severe weather, and many are still without power.

"We understand Tennesseans who have suffered storm damage and power outages are trying to restore some sense of normalcy in their homes, and may be using generators to power equipment and other household items," said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, M.D. "We aware of two Tennesseans who died accidentally, and we urge everyone to follow proper procedures for generators to prevent further injury and death.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning materials such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. The gas can build up inside your home, garage or camper and poison the people inside. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea, dizziness or headaches. Severe poisoning can result in brain damage, heart damage or death. Seek medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.

Generators should only be used outside in a well-ventilated area, and individuals using them should follow all instructions for safe and proper use. Never use generators inside your home, basement, garage or camper, or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Outdoor grills and portable gas camp stoves also pose a risk of potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, and should not be used indoors for cooking.

To learn more about staying safe after a disaster and how to prepare your home and family for future emergencies, visit the CDC Web site at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/.

High Water, Currents Pose Risk for Drowning
Know Childrens Whereabouts; Avoid Risky Behavior

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Department of Health is issuing an urgent call to parents and adults providing care to keep kids and teenagers from flood waters as well as rivers, lakes and creeks that have higher than normal water levels and strong currents. The department also is asking people to avoid risky behavior, keeping clear of storm water drains, inlets and pipes whenever possible. Several areas across Tennessee are experiencing flooding or face the possibility of flooding later this week.

Its important that parents and adults responsible for children and teens make sure they are not in danger, taking care to keep them from flood water as well as swollen creeks, streams and other bodies of water, said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, M.D. The water presents a huge temptation to kids from elementary to high school age. This will take on greater urgency in the coming days, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

Flood waters present health risks because currents in flood ravaged areas can be particularly strong, proving challenging for even the most skilled water rescue personnel. Additionally, experienced swimmers can easily get caught or swept away in rushing waters.

Recent news reports show Tennessee residents trying to unclog storm water drains in communities affected by heavy rain in the last several days.

We also are specifically warning people not to attempt to unclog storm water drains, no matter how tempting it may be as flood waters begin to rise, said Jones. This could easily and quickly pose a very dangerous situation and is a potential drowning hazard.

It does not take much water to present a danger. As little as one inch of water covering the nose and mouth can cause drowning. Just six inches of rushing water can knock you off your feet. Cars, including heavy trucks, can get swept away in less than two feet of moving water.

Even as the cleanup process begins, parents must constantly watch children and teenagers to prevent them from playing in or around water. It doesn't take long and it doesn't take much water for young children to drown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in many cases, children who drowned had been out of sight less than five minutes and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.

Everyone, especially children and teens, are strongly advised to stay away from flood waters, control channels, rivers, streams and other waterways when there is flooding or heavy rain runoff after big storms, including on sunny days, to avoid potential dangers.

Contamination is another cause for concern. Flood waters may contain bacteria from human and animal wastes. While skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible to lessen the chance for infection or illness. Chemical contamination of flood waters can also occur and contamination levels may be higher nearer to sources such as industrial locations. Skin and clothing should be washed thoroughly after contact with flood water.

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