Natural Disasters and Public Health

There are many public health concerns as a result of natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes and tsunami. The US CDC’s natural disasters website has helpful information for those who may be involved with relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home.

Radiation concerns

Maine CDC's Radiation Control Program is following events in Japan closely. Several federal agencies with expertise in radiation control are closely monitoring the problems occurring at the nuclear power plant in Japan including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While no radiation from Japan has been detected in the United States, and it is presently unlikely that any will be, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it continues to unfold. There are three separate air sampler stations located in Orono, Augusta, and Portland that monitor ambient air regularly. These samplers would detect any unusual levels of radiation in the air. Further updates will be forthcoming.

Maine CDC's Radiation Control Program has posted frequently asked questions about Japan and radiation and information about Potassium Iodide.

UPDATE: A web site with various federal resources and information has been established at http://www.usa.gov/Japan2011.shtml

Worried about smart meters?

A complaint was filed with the Maine Public Utilities Commission at the end of October, focusing on concerns related to the health, safety (malfunctioning, shorting out, and igniting), and security (vulnerability to hacking) of smart meters, also known as advanced metering infrastructure.

Maine CDC conducted a review focused on the health concerns expressed in the complaint. The review did not indicate any consistent or convincing evidence to support a concern for health effects related to the use of radio frequency in the range of frequencies and power used by smart meters. The review also did not indicate an association of EMF exposure and symptoms that have been described as electromagnetic sensitivity.

For more information, visit http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/smart_meters.shtml. The full review is about 70 pages, but the executive summary is only 5 pages.