Last updated: March 2011

Since the events relating to the damage of the nuclear power plant in Japan after a major earthquake on March 11, 2011, there has been discussion about the possibility of winds bringing radiation to the west coast of the United States. With Arizona being just a few hundred miles from the coast, it is natural that our residents would want to know what the potential impact will be to people in Arizona.

Three state agencies are keeping track of the situation and the air currents from Japan. While there is some radiation that has blown into the southwestern U.S. coast from Japan, as of last week AZ officials believe that the amount of radiation is not much different than people experience on a cross-country flight and that there is no need for undue concern at this time. Today, March 22, 2011 the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency is reporting that while trace amounts of Iodine-131 radioactive material associated with releases from the Fukushima Power Plant in Japan have been detected west of the valley and in Phoenix, the levels are far below the average background radiation we normally see, and there is still no a public health threat to Arizonans.

The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, the Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Health Services, while emphasizing that people in Arizona are safe from dangerous radiation, also warn that people should be aware that there are potential dangers of taking potassium iodide, such as allergic reactions or serious side affects, when there is no danger.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have all stated that there is no risk expected to Arizona or its residents as a result of the situation in Japan. For more information on the emergency in Japan, including answers to some frequently asked questions, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network website.