The 9.0-magnitude earthquake in Japan on March 11 and subsequent tsunami are reminders of how important it is to be prepared for these unpredictable events. Local, state, and federal agencies are working together to monitor the situation and provide aid as needed.


Message from Director & Health Officer
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH

April 3, 2011 - Recent reports have indicated that very small amounts of radioactivity have been detected in the milk supply on the West Coast, including here in California. This is not unexpected. Multiple agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration, have been monitoring the air, water and food supply to ensure the utmost safety for all residents. These very low amounts of radioactive material do not pose any threat to your health or your children's health.

          As the nuclear power complex situation in Japan continues to unfold, you are likely to hear more reports of radiation findings. It is important to keep these reports in perspective. We are all exposed to various forms of radiation every day regardless of our activities or geographic location and additional small amounts are received during the course of our daily routines such as travelling via air or getting dental x-rays. Current and expected radioactivity from the Japan nuclear problem is minuscule compared to what we experience every day. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will continue to work with other local, state and federal agencies in monitoring this ongoing situation in Japan, in addition to the independent monitoring Public Health is conducting. The state and federal reports have been consistent with Public Health’s monitoring. Based on discussions with the relevant federal and state agencies, there is no expectation that radiation will reach harmful levels in our county.
          We continue to offer our support to those who are suffering in Japan. This unfortunate tragedy should remind everyone that disaster can strike at any time, often without warning. Please take this moment to consider your own plans to cope with an emergency of any scale, man-made or natural. The Department of Public Health has posted resources to help you build an emergency kit and guide you through emergency planning here.

• Advisory from Public Health regarding Potassium Iodide (3/15/2011)
• AQMD Spokesperson Sam Atwood and Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County Health Officer, discuss the health risk posed to Southern Californians from the damaged nuclear power plants in Japan. Audio MP3  or Video YouTube
• Mayor Villaraigosa Announces New Emergency Preparedness Directives for Los Angeles, Video (3/18/2011)
  
• HEALTH ADVISORY: UPDATE #2 - Public Health, Emergency Management Officials Reiterate: There is NO increased risk of radiation exposure from nuclear power complex situation in Japan (3/18/11)
  
• HEALTH ADVISORY: UPDATE #3 - No risk to LA County food and water supply; No health risks from airline passengers arriving from Japan (3/21/11)