🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 5 (from laksa063)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa005.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html","crawl_time":1771797154,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,cdc!www,\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html s443","src_root_hash":"17308952984333333205","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fukushima Radiation Emergency: Lessons Learned | Radiation Emergencies | CDC","meta_descriptions":["Learn about the Fukushima radiation emergency and what to do if another disaster occurs."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\nFukushima Daiichi\nMarch 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents:\nNatural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants.\nMany effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination.\nThe combination of a natural and industrial disaster\nOn that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded.\nDisplaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011.\nPublic health effects not from radiation exposure\nStrikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them.\nThe World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation\n1\n2\ndescribed a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems.\nThe danger of information gaps\nThe world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe.\nFor other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take \"anti-radiation\" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful.\nFor example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took\npotassium iodide (KI)\nto protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful.\nIt also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away.\nImproving communications\nAfter the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them.\nCDC's Radiation Emergencies website\nhas information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics.\nFor most radiation emergencies,\nthe first thing people should do\nis:\nGet inside\n—Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible.\nStay inside\n—Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you.\nStay tuned\n—Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so.\nMost communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency.\nAt home, put together an\nemergency kit\nthat would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation.\nCDC also has numerous\nresources\n, including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency.\nLearn more about\nradiation and radiation emergencies\nto help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\nApril 16, 2024","attrs_markdown":"[Skip directly to site content](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#content) [Skip directly to search](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc-search) [Skip directly to On This Page](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#first-on-this-page)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/us_flag_small.png) An official website of the United States government\n\n[Here's how you know](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#gov-notice)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/icon-dot-gov.svg)\n\n**Official websites use .gov**\n\nA **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/icon-https.svg)\n\n**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**\n\nA **lock** (  ) or **https:\/\/** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.\n\n[![Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/logo\/logo-notext.svg)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\nExplore This Topic\n\n[For Everyone](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\n- [About Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html)\n- [Signs and Symptoms](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/signs-symptoms\/index.html)\n- [Contamination versus Exposure](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/causes\/index.html)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/prevention\/index.html)\n- [Preparing for a Radiation Emergency](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/safety\/index.html)\n- [What to Do in Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/index.html)\n- [Caring for Yourself and Others](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/caring\/index.html)\n- [View all](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#gen)\n\n[Health Care Providers](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#hcp)\n\n- [\"Just-In-Time\" Resource for Hospitals](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/nuclear-detonations\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Guidance and Resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/clinical-guidance\/index.html)\n- [ICCR Application](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/iccr\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Care and Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/clinical-care\/index.html)\n- [Radiological Terrorism: Emergency Services Clinicians Toolkit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/radiological-terrorism-toolkit\/index.html)\n- [Training Resources for Clinicians](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/training\/index.html)\n- [Radioactive Isotopes](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/isotopes\/index.html)\n- [View all](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#hcp)\n\n[Public Health](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#php)\n\n- [Radiological Terrorism: Public Health Officials Toolkit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/toolkit\/index.html)\n- [Discussion Guide](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/discussion-guide\/index.html)\n- [Training](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/training\/index.html)\n- [Communication and Media Tools](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/communication-resources\/index.html)\n- [This is a TEST: Community Reception Center (CRC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/crctest\/index.html)\n- [Radiation Resource Library](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/resourcelibrary\/index.html)\n- [Public Health Preparedness Capabilities](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/rad-capabilities\/index.html)\n- [Information for Public Health Professionals](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/ph-professionals\/index.html)\n- [View all](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#php)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\n[![Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/logo\/logo-notext.svg)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[*search*](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html)\n\n[Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\nMenu\n\nFor Everyone\n\n- [About Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html)\n- [Signs and Symptoms](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/signs-symptoms\/index.html)\n- [Contamination versus Exposure](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/causes\/index.html)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/prevention\/index.html)\n- [Preparing for a Radiation Emergency](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/safety\/index.html)\n- [What to Do in Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/index.html)\n- [Caring for Yourself and Others](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/caring\/index.html)\n- [View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#gen)     [Home](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\nHealth Care Providers\n\n- [\"Just-In-Time\" Resource for Hospitals](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/nuclear-detonations\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Guidance and Resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/clinical-guidance\/index.html)\n- [ICCR Application](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/iccr\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Care and Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/clinical-care\/index.html)\n- [Radiological Terrorism: Emergency Services Clinicians Toolkit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/radiological-terrorism-toolkit\/index.html)\n- [Training Resources for Clinicians](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/training\/index.html)\n- [Radioactive Isotopes](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/isotopes\/index.html)\n- [View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#hcp)\n\nPublic Health\n\n- [Radiological Terrorism: Public Health Officials Toolkit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/toolkit\/index.html)\n- [Discussion Guide](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/discussion-guide\/index.html)\n- [Training](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/training\/index.html)\n- [Communication and Media Tools](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/communication-resources\/index.html)\n- [This is a TEST: Community Reception Center (CRC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/crctest\/index.html)\n- [Radiation Resource Library](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/resourcelibrary\/index.html)\n- [Public Health Preparedness Capabilities](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/rad-capabilities\/index.html)\n- [Information for Public Health Professionals](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/ph-professionals\/index.html)\n- [View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#php)\n\n[Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\n\n[About Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html)   [Signs and Symptoms](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/signs-symptoms\/index.html)   [Contamination versus Exposure](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/causes\/index.html)   [Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/prevention\/index.html)   [Preparing for a Radiation Emergency](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/safety\/index.html)   [What to Do in Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html)   [Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/index.html)   [Caring for Yourself and Others](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/caring\/index.html)   [View Menu](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html)\n\n![](data:image\/jpeg;base64,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)\n\nFor Everyone\n\nApril 16, 2024\n# Fukushima Radiation Emergency: Lessons Learned\n## What to know\nMarch 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\n\n![A top-down, aerial view of the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant after being damaged by a series of explosions. Smoke is rising from the facility.](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/media\/images\/2024\/04\/The-First-Week-GettyImages-110051644.jpg)\n\n## Fukushima Daiichi\nMarch 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents:\n\n- Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants.\n- Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination.\n\n## The combination of a natural and industrial disaster\nOn that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded.\n\n![Families sheltering indoors after a radiation hazard](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/media\/images\/2024\/04\/sheltering-after-radiation-hazard.jpg)\n\nDisplaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011.\n\n## Public health effects not from radiation exposure\nStrikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them.\n\nThe World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation[1](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdcreference_1)[2](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdcreference_2) described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems.\n\n## The danger of information gaps\nThe world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe.\n\nFor other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take \"anti-radiation\" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful.\n\nFor example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took [potassium iodide (KI)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/potassium-iodide.html) to protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful.\n\nIt also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away.\n\n## Improving communications\nAfter the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them. [CDC's Radiation Emergencies website](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html) has information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics.\n\nFor most radiation emergencies, [the first thing people should do](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html) is:\n\n- **Get inside**—Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible.\n- **Stay inside**—Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you.\n- **Stay tuned**—Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so.\n\n[Low Resolution Video](https:\/\/emergency.cdc.gov\/radiation\/videos\/where_to_go_in_a_radiation_emergency_lowRez.mp4)\n\nMost communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency.\n\nAt home, put together an [emergency kit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/prepare-your-health\/take-action\/personal-needs.html) that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation.\n\nCDC also has numerous [resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/training\/index.html), including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency.\n\nLearn more about [radiation and radiation emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html) to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\n\n## On This Page\n- [Fukushima Daiichi](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_1-fukushima-daiichi)\n- [The combination of a natural and industrial disaster](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_2-the-combination-of-a-natural-and-industrial-disaster)\n- [Public health effects not from radiation exposure](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_3-public-health-effects-not-from-radiation-exposure)\n- [The danger of information gaps](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_4-the-danger-of-information-gaps)\n- [Improving communications](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_5-improving-communications)\n\n## Related Pages\n- [Features on Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/index.html)\n- [Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/be-ready.html)\n- [Infographics](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/infographic\/index.html)\n- [CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/programs\/index.html)\n- [Radiation Dictionary](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/glossary\/index.html)\n\n[View All Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#gen)\n\n[CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/programs\/index.html)\n\nApril 16, 2024\n\n[Sources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#content-sources) [Print](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#print) [Share](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#share)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html \"Share to Facebook\")   [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html&title=Fukushima%20Radiation%20Emergency%3A%20Lessons%C2%A0Learned \"Share to LinkedIn\")   [Twitter](http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html&text=Fukushima%20Radiation%20Emergency%3A%20Lessons%C2%A0Learned \"Share to Twitter\")   [Syndicate](https:\/\/tools.cdc.gov\/medialibrary\/index.aspx#\/sharecontent\/https:\/\/https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html \"Embed this Page\")\n\nContent Source:\n\n[National Center for Environmental Health](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/index.html)\n\nReferences\n\n1. *[Bulletin of the World Health Organization (who.int)](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4581639\/)*\n2. [The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2020\/2021 Report to the General Assembly](https:\/\/www.unscear.org\/unscear\/en\/publications\/2020_2021_2.html)\n\n## Related Pages\n- [Features on Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/index.html)\n- [Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/be-ready.html)\n- [Infographics](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/infographic\/index.html)\n- [CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/programs\/index.html)\n- [Radiation Dictionary](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/glossary\/index.html)\n\n[View All Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#gen)\n\nBack to Top\n\n## [Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html)\nInformation about how to protect yourself and your family during a radiation emergency.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html)\n\n### [For Everyone](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html#gen)\n- [About Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html)\n- [Signs and Symptoms](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/signs-symptoms\/index.html)\n- [Contamination versus Exposure](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/causes\/index.html)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/prevention\/index.html)\n- [Preparing for a Radiation Emergency](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/safety\/index.html)\n- [What to Do in Radiation Emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/index.html)\n- [Caring for Yourself and Others](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/caring\/index.html)\n- [View all](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#gen)\n\n### [Health Care Providers](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#hcp)\n- [\"Just-In-Time\" Resource for Hospitals](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/nuclear-detonations\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Guidance and Resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/clinical-guidance\/index.html)\n- [ICCR Application](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/hcp\/iccr\/index.html)\n- [View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#hcp)\n\n### [Public Health](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#php)\n- [Radiological Terrorism: Public Health Officials Toolkit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/toolkit\/index.html)\n- [Discussion Guide](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/discussion-guide\/index.html)\n- [Training](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/training\/index.html)\n- [View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/site.html#php)\n\n[Sign up for Email Updates](https:\/\/tools.cdc.gov\/campaignproxyservice\/subscriptions.aspx#featured)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#contactUs)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cdc-info\/index.html)\n\n- [Call 800-232-4636](tel:800-232-4636)\n- [Contact CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cdc-info\/index.html)\n\n[About CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#aboutCDC)\n\n[About CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/)\n\n- [Pressroom](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/)\n- [Organization](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/organization\/)\n- [Budget & Funding](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/budget\/)\n- [Careers & Jobs](https:\/\/jobs.cdc.gov\/index.html)\n\n[Policies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#policies)\n\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/accessibility.html)\n- [External 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[فارسی](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Farsi)\n- [English](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#English)\n\n[Archive](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#archive)\n\n- [CDC Archive](https:\/\/archive.cdc.gov\/)\n- [Public Health Publications](https:\/\/stacks.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#mobile-footer-contactUs)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cdc-info\/index.html)\n\n- [Call 800-232-4636](tel:800-232-4636)\n- [Contact CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cdc-info\/index.html)\n\n[About CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#mobile-footer-aboutCDC)\n\n- [Pressroom](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/)\n- [Organization](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/organization\/)\n- [Budget & Funding](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/budget\/)\n- [Careers & Jobs](https:\/\/jobs.cdc.gov\/index.html)\n- [About CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/)\n\n[Policies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#mobile-footer-policies)\n\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/accessibility.html)\n- [External Links](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/Other\/disclaimer.html#exit-notification)\n- [Privacy](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/privacy.html)\n- [Web Policies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/Other\/policies.html)\n\n- [FOIA](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/foia\/)\n- [OIG](https:\/\/oig.hhs.gov\/)\n- [No Fear Act](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oeeowe\/no-fear-act\/)\n- [Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/nondiscrimination.html)\n- [Vulnerability Disclosure Policy](https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/vulnerability-disclosure-policy\/index.html)\n\n[Languages](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#mobile-footer-languages)\n\nLanguages\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/spanish\/)\n\nLanguage Assistance\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Spanish)\n- [繁體中文](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Chinese)\n- [Tiếng Việt](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Vietnamese)\n- [한국어](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Korean)\n- [Tagalog](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Tagalog)\n- [Русский](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Russian)\n- [العربية](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Arabic)\n- [Kreyòl Ayisyen](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Haitian)\n- [Français](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#French)\n- [Polski](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Polish)\n- [Português](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Portuguese)\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Italian)\n- [Deutsch](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#German)\n- [日本語](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Japanese)\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#Farsi)\n- [English](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#English)\n\n[Archive](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#mobile-footer-archive)\n\n- [CDC Archive](https:\/\/archive.cdc.gov\/)\n- [Public Health Publications](https:\/\/stacks.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[![Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/logo\/cdc-logo-tag-right.svg)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[HHS.gov](https:\/\/hhs.gov\/) [USA.gov](https:\/\/usa.gov\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\n\n![A top-down, aerial view of the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant after being damaged by a series of explosions. Smoke is rising from the facility.](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/media\/images\/2024\/04\/The-First-Week-GettyImages-110051644.jpg)\n\n## Fukushima Daiichi\nMarch 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents:\n\n- Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants.\n- Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination.\n\n## The combination of a natural and industrial disaster\nOn that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded.\n\n![Families sheltering indoors after a radiation hazard](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/media\/images\/2024\/04\/sheltering-after-radiation-hazard.jpg)\n\nDisplaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011.\n\n## Public health effects not from radiation exposure\nStrikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them.\n\nThe World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation[1](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdcreference_1)[2](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/features\/fukushima.html#cdcreference_2) described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems.\n\n## The danger of information gaps\nThe world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe.\n\nFor other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take \"anti-radiation\" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful.\n\nFor example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took [potassium iodide (KI)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/treatment\/potassium-iodide.html) to protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful.\n\nIt also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away.\n\n## Improving communications\nAfter the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them. [CDC's Radiation Emergencies website](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/index.html) has information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics.\n\nFor most radiation emergencies, [the first thing people should do](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/response\/index.html) is:\n\n- **Get inside**—Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible.\n- **Stay inside**—Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you.\n- **Stay tuned**—Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so.\n\nMost communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency.\n\nAt home, put together an [emergency kit](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/prepare-your-health\/take-action\/personal-needs.html) that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation.\n\nCDC also has numerous [resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/php\/training\/index.html), including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency.\n\nLearn more about [radiation and radiation emergencies](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/radiation-emergencies\/about\/index.html) to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs.\n\nApril 16, 2024","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. Fukushima Daiichi March 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents: Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants. Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination. The combination of a natural and industrial disaster On that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded. Displaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011. Public health effects not from radiation exposure Strikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 1 2 described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems. The danger of information gaps The world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe. For other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take "anti-radiation" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful. For example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took potassium iodide (KI) to protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful. It also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away. Improving communications After the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them. CDC's Radiation Emergencies website has information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics. For most radiation emergencies, the first thing people should do is: Get inside —Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible. Stay inside —Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you. Stay tuned —Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so. Most communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency. At home, put together an emergency kit that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation. CDC also has numerous resources , including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. April 16, 2024
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) For Everyone April 16, 2024 # Fukushima Radiation Emergency: Lessons Learned ## What to know March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. ![A top-down, aerial view of the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant after being damaged by a series of explosions. Smoke is rising from the facility.](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/media/images/2024/04/The-First-Week-GettyImages-110051644.jpg) ## Fukushima Daiichi March 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents: - Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants. - Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination. ## The combination of a natural and industrial disaster On that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded. ![Families sheltering indoors after a radiation hazard](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/media/images/2024/04/sheltering-after-radiation-hazard.jpg) Displaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011. ## Public health effects not from radiation exposure Strikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation[1](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdcreference_1)[2](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdcreference_2) described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems. ## The danger of information gaps The world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe. For other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take "anti-radiation" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful. For example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took [potassium iodide (KI)](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/treatment/potassium-iodide.html) to protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful. It also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away. ## Improving communications After the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them. [CDC's Radiation Emergencies website](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/index.html) has information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics. For most radiation emergencies, [the first thing people should do](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/response/index.html) is: - Get inside—Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible. - Stay inside—Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you. - Stay tuned—Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so. [Low Resolution Video](https://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/videos/where_to_go_in_a_radiation_emergency_lowRez.mp4) Most communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency. At home, put together an [emergency kit](https://www.cdc.gov/prepare-your-health/take-action/personal-needs.html) that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation. CDC also has numerous [resources](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/php/training/index.html), including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency. Learn more about [radiation and radiation emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/about/index.html) to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. ## On This Page - [Fukushima Daiichi](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_1-fukushima-daiichi) - [The combination of a natural and industrial disaster](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_2-the-combination-of-a-natural-and-industrial-disaster) - [Public health effects not from radiation exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_3-public-health-effects-not-from-radiation-exposure) - [The danger of information gaps](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_4-the-danger-of-information-gaps) - [Improving communications](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdc_generic_section_5-improving-communications) ## Related Pages - [Features on Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/index.html) - [Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/be-ready.html) - [Infographics](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/infographic/index.html) - [CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/programs/index.html) - [Radiation Dictionary](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/glossary/index.html) [View All Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/site.html#gen) [CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/programs/index.html) April 16, 2024 [Sources](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#content-sources) [Print](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#print) [Share](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#share) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html "Share to Facebook") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html&title=Fukushima%20Radiation%20Emergency%3A%20Lessons%C2%A0Learned "Share to LinkedIn") [Twitter](http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fradiation-emergencies%2Ffeatures%2Ffukushima.html&text=Fukushima%20Radiation%20Emergency%3A%20Lessons%C2%A0Learned "Share to Twitter") [Syndicate](https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/sharecontent/https://https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html "Embed this Page") Content Source: [National Center for Environmental Health](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/index.html) References 1. [Bulletin of the World Health Organization (who.int)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581639/) 2. [The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2020/2021 Report to the General Assembly](https://www.unscear.org/unscear/en/publications/2020_2021_2.html) ## Related Pages - [Features on Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/index.html) - [Be Ready for Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/be-ready.html) - [Infographics](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/infographic/index.html) - [CDC's Response to Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/programs/index.html) - [Radiation Dictionary](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/glossary/index.html) [View All Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/site.html#gen) Back to Top ## [Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/index.html) Information about how to protect yourself and your family during a radiation emergency. [View All](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/site.html) ### [For Everyone](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/index.html#gen) - [About Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/about/index.html) - [Signs and Symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/signs-symptoms/index.html) - [Contamination versus Exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/causes/index.html) - [Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/prevention/index.html) - [Preparing for a Radiation Emergency](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/safety/index.html) - [What to Do in Radiation Emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/response/index.html) - [Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/treatment/index.html) - [Caring for Yourself and Others](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/caring/index.html) - [View all](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/site.html#gen) ### [Health Care Providers](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/site.html#hcp) - 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Readable Markdown	March 11 is the anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima radiation emergency. Learn more about radiation and radiation emergencies to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. ![A top-down, aerial view of the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant after being damaged by a series of explosions. Smoke is rising from the facility.](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/media/images/2024/04/The-First-Week-GettyImages-110051644.jpg) ## Fukushima Daiichi March 11 marks the anniversary of Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster. The Fukushima disaster highlighted two important themes for the future of preventing and preparing for nuclear power plant accidents: - Natural disasters can test the limits of manmade protections of nuclear plants. - Many effects of a radiation emergency on public health are not caused by radiation exposures or radioactive contamination. ## The combination of a natural and industrial disaster On that date in 2011, a 9-magnitude earthquake led to a 40-foot tsunami that overcame the 19-foot seawall built to protect the plant. The flooding led to widespread damage of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released radiological contamination. As with most emergencies, the situation continued to evolve. During the days that followed the tsunami, the damage to the reactors increased, causing more radiation to be released in the air and water that surrounded the power plant. Evacuation orders for the people living in the area changed and expanded. ![Families sheltering indoors after a radiation hazard](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/media/images/2024/04/sheltering-after-radiation-hazard.jpg) Displaced people after Fukushima nuclear power plant emergency in 2011. ## Public health effects not from radiation exposure Strikingly, no one died from radiation exposure following the incident. But the disaster had a tragic secondary impact on people living in the area. Nearby residents had to be immediately evacuated and many were permanently relocated, resulting in significant mental and physical harm to many of them. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation[1](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdcreference_1)[2](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/features/fukushima.html#cdcreference_2) described a sharp increase in deaths among elderly people who were put in temporary housing, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Lack of access to health care in the temporary location likely was a key contributor to these effects. The loss of social connections and family ties, and stigmatization of people from the Fukushima area, led to increased mental health issues and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people who were evacuated after the incident. Children showed more issues with hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems. ## The danger of information gaps The world watched anxiously in the weeks following the tsunami to see whether the radioactive contamination would spread and affect other nations and territories. Dangerous radiation and contamination did not spread beyond Japan and there were no deaths from direct radiation exposure. However, widespread concerns showed the need for increased radiation emergency awareness and preparedness across the globe. For other countries, including the U.S., myths and misperceptions caused worry and uncertainty among people, leading some to take "anti-radiation" marketed products that were inappropriate and potentially harmful. For example, following the Fukushima radiation emergency, there were reports that some people on the West Coast of the U.S. bought and took [potassium iodide (KI)](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/treatment/potassium-iodide.html) to protect themselves. Although KI can protect against one specific radionuclide—radioiodine—it is limited in what it will do and when it should be taken. Taking KI or any other medication when it is not needed can be harmful. It also was reported that a few people took other substances that they thought would provide similar protection (such as kelp or iodized salt) that also are harmful in large quantities. These reports showed the need for more education and awareness about radiation so that people will know what to do and what not to do in an emergency, nearby or far away. ## Improving communications After the Fukushima emergency, CDC developed more information for the public and public health planners about radiation emergencies and how to prepare for them. [CDC's Radiation Emergencies website](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/index.html) has information about types of radiation emergencies, protective steps to take in emergencies, how to remove contamination if it gets on you, safe food and water sources, myths and misperceptions about radiation, and other important topics. For most radiation emergencies, [the first thing people should do](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/response/index.html) is: - Get inside—Seek shelter in a safe, sturdy building, as far away from windows and doors as possible. - Stay inside—Close windows and vents to try to keep radioactive material from getting in your shelter, change clothing, and wash (decontaminate) if you think you may have radioactive material on you. - Stay tuned—Listen to radio, TV, or other media sources to hear what steps you need to take next. It may be that in certain circumstances (such as in the Fukushima emergency), officials will tell you to leave your shelter (evacuate), but only do so when instructed to do so. Most communities have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency. Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan. Also, check with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency. At home, put together an [emergency kit](https://www.cdc.gov/prepare-your-health/take-action/personal-needs.html) that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, is important to have for any emergency situation. CDC also has numerous [resources](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/php/training/index.html), including trainings, tools, and communication resources, to help public health agencies prepare for and respond to a radiation emergency. Learn more about [radiation and radiation emergencies](https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/about/index.html) to help you know what to do if another disaster occurs. April 16, 2024
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