Japan devastating earthquake has brought its effect to the economy in U.S. as the price in the auto industry and the price of fuel significantly rose. According to Lucia Mutikani from Reuters, the price of light trucks has increased for 0.7 percent. And this is the biggest increasing number since July. On the other hand, the passenger cars has also increased for at least 0.9 percent. As a whole it is reported that since the last 12 months ending up in March, the core producer price index has increased for 1.9 percent. While prices are climbing up as the effect of Japan earthquake, the claims for unemployment benefits has also risen. As the result of the situation, the U.S stock prices have been pushed down accordingly.
Showing posts with label Japan earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan earthquake. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Radiation exposure: a Q&A with Richard Warry for BBC News
After hit by 8.9 magnitude earthquake last Friday, Japan is facing a radiation exposure. And here is a Q&A about the health effects of radiation exposure, with Richard Warry for BBC News. Some questions concerning human health is discussed in this conversation:
What are the immediate health effects of exposure to radiation?
Exposure to moderate levels can result in radiation sickness, which produces a range of symptoms. Nausea and vomiting often begin within hours of exposure, followed by diarrhea, headaches and fever. After the first round of symptoms, there may be a brief period with no apparent illness, but this may be followed within weeks by new, more serious symptoms.
At higher levels of radiation, all of these symptoms may be immediately apparent, along with widespread - and potentially fatal - damage to internal organs. Exposure to a radiation dose of four grays will typically kill about half of all healthy adults. For comparison, radiation therapy for cancer typically involves several doses of between one and seven grays at a time - but these doses are highly controlled, and usually specifically targeted at small areas of the body.
How is radiation sickness treated?
The first thing to do is to try to minimize further contamination by removing clothes and shoes, and gently washing the skin with soap and water. Drugs are available that increase white blood-cell production to counter any damage that may have occurred to the bone marrow, and to reduce the risk of further infections due to immune-system damage. There are also specific drugs that can help to reduce the damage to internal organs caused by radioactive particles.
How does radiation have an impact on health?
Radioactive materials that decay spontaneously produce ionizing radiation, which has the capacity to cause significant damage to the body’s internal chemistry, breaking the chemical bonds between the atoms and molecules that make up our tissues. The body responds by trying to repair this damage, but sometimes it is too severe or widespread to make repair possible. There is also a danger of mistakes in the natural repair process. Regions of the body that are most vulnerable to radiation damage include the cells lining the intestine and stomach, and the blood-cell producing cells in the bone marrow. The extent of the damage caused is dependent on how long people are exposed to radiation, and at what level.
What are the most likely long-term health effects?
Cancer is the biggest long-term risk. Usually when the body’s cells reach their “sell-by date” they commit suicide. Cancer results when cells lose this ability, and effectively become immortal, continuing to divide and divide in an uncontrolled fashion. The body has various processes for ensuring that cells do not become cancerous, and for replacing damaged tissue.
But the damage caused by exposure to radiation can completely disrupt these control processes, making it much more likely that cancer will result. Failure to repair the damage caused by radiation properly can also result in changes - or mutations - to the body’s genetic material, which are not only associated with cancer, but may also be potentially passed down to offspring, leading to deformities in future generations. These can include smaller head or brain size, poorly formed eyes, slow growth and severe learning difficulties.
Are children at greater risk?
Potentially yes. Because they are growing more rapidly, more cells are dividing, and so the potential for things to go wrong is greater. Following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in the Ukraine in 1986, the World Health Organization recorded a dramatic increase in thyroid cancer among children in the vicinity. This was because the radioactive materials released during the accident contained high levels of radioactive iodine, a material that accumulates in the thyroid.
How can the Japanese authorities minimize the cost to human health?
Professor Richard Wakeford, an expert in exposure to radiation, said provided the Japanese authorities acted quickly most of the general population should be spared significant health problems. He said in those circumstances the only people likely to be at risk of serious health effects were nuclear workers at the plant or emergency workers exposed to high levels of radiation. He said the top priority would be to evacuate people from the area and to make sure they did not eat contaminated food. The biggest risk was that radioactive iodine could get into their system, raising the risk of thyroid cancer. To counter that risk people could be given tablets containing stable iodine which would prevent the body absorbing the radioactive version.
What are the immediate health effects of exposure to radiation?
Exposure to moderate levels can result in radiation sickness, which produces a range of symptoms. Nausea and vomiting often begin within hours of exposure, followed by diarrhea, headaches and fever. After the first round of symptoms, there may be a brief period with no apparent illness, but this may be followed within weeks by new, more serious symptoms.
At higher levels of radiation, all of these symptoms may be immediately apparent, along with widespread - and potentially fatal - damage to internal organs. Exposure to a radiation dose of four grays will typically kill about half of all healthy adults. For comparison, radiation therapy for cancer typically involves several doses of between one and seven grays at a time - but these doses are highly controlled, and usually specifically targeted at small areas of the body.
How is radiation sickness treated?
The first thing to do is to try to minimize further contamination by removing clothes and shoes, and gently washing the skin with soap and water. Drugs are available that increase white blood-cell production to counter any damage that may have occurred to the bone marrow, and to reduce the risk of further infections due to immune-system damage. There are also specific drugs that can help to reduce the damage to internal organs caused by radioactive particles.
How does radiation have an impact on health?
Radioactive materials that decay spontaneously produce ionizing radiation, which has the capacity to cause significant damage to the body’s internal chemistry, breaking the chemical bonds between the atoms and molecules that make up our tissues. The body responds by trying to repair this damage, but sometimes it is too severe or widespread to make repair possible. There is also a danger of mistakes in the natural repair process. Regions of the body that are most vulnerable to radiation damage include the cells lining the intestine and stomach, and the blood-cell producing cells in the bone marrow. The extent of the damage caused is dependent on how long people are exposed to radiation, and at what level.
What are the most likely long-term health effects?
Cancer is the biggest long-term risk. Usually when the body’s cells reach their “sell-by date” they commit suicide. Cancer results when cells lose this ability, and effectively become immortal, continuing to divide and divide in an uncontrolled fashion. The body has various processes for ensuring that cells do not become cancerous, and for replacing damaged tissue.
But the damage caused by exposure to radiation can completely disrupt these control processes, making it much more likely that cancer will result. Failure to repair the damage caused by radiation properly can also result in changes - or mutations - to the body’s genetic material, which are not only associated with cancer, but may also be potentially passed down to offspring, leading to deformities in future generations. These can include smaller head or brain size, poorly formed eyes, slow growth and severe learning difficulties.
Are children at greater risk?
Potentially yes. Because they are growing more rapidly, more cells are dividing, and so the potential for things to go wrong is greater. Following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in the Ukraine in 1986, the World Health Organization recorded a dramatic increase in thyroid cancer among children in the vicinity. This was because the radioactive materials released during the accident contained high levels of radioactive iodine, a material that accumulates in the thyroid.
How can the Japanese authorities minimize the cost to human health?
Professor Richard Wakeford, an expert in exposure to radiation, said provided the Japanese authorities acted quickly most of the general population should be spared significant health problems. He said in those circumstances the only people likely to be at risk of serious health effects were nuclear workers at the plant or emergency workers exposed to high levels of radiation. He said the top priority would be to evacuate people from the area and to make sure they did not eat contaminated food. The biggest risk was that radioactive iodine could get into their system, raising the risk of thyroid cancer. To counter that risk people could be given tablets containing stable iodine which would prevent the body absorbing the radioactive version.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The nuclear threats after Japan earthquake and tsunami
After hit by 8.9 magnitude earthquake, Japan soon destroyed by tsunami, killing many people on their busy day.
Now following a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, Japan is threatened by nuclear problem as cooling systems at nuclear reactor on Japan’s destroyed coast has failed. This malfunctioned system has made leaking radiation and even outright meltdown.
The radiation has produced a white cloud smoke that obscured the complex. Japan authorities has done everything to solve the problem including evacuate about 170,000 people from the area.
Now following a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, Japan is threatened by nuclear problem as cooling systems at nuclear reactor on Japan’s destroyed coast has failed. This malfunctioned system has made leaking radiation and even outright meltdown.
The radiation has produced a white cloud smoke that obscured the complex. Japan authorities has done everything to solve the problem including evacuate about 170,000 people from the area.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Breaking news on Japan earthquake and tsunami: another following quakes and hundred bodies are found
At 3:56 p.m. ET, 5:56 a.m. Tokyo another earthquake at 6.6 magnitude has hit Honshu’s west coast. The earthquake was then followed by five more earthquakes with less 5.2 magnitude.
Up to now, it has been 184 people known to have been killed by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which hit Japan on Friday. The earthquake has triggered a devastating tsunami which destroyed Japan and several other countries on its path. According to Japan’s National Police, at least 722 people have been injured and 530 people are reported missing. At least 200 – 300 bodies were found in Sendai a coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture. It is predicted that those bodies were the victims of tsunami which triggered by the earthquake. Unfortunately, the death toll is likely to rise, because there are only few casualty counts yet from the worst-hit areas.
Up to now, it has been 184 people known to have been killed by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which hit Japan on Friday. The earthquake has triggered a devastating tsunami which destroyed Japan and several other countries on its path. According to Japan’s National Police, at least 722 people have been injured and 530 people are reported missing. At least 200 – 300 bodies were found in Sendai a coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture. It is predicted that those bodies were the victims of tsunami which triggered by the earthquake. Unfortunately, the death toll is likely to rise, because there are only few casualty counts yet from the worst-hit areas.
32 people have reported killed in Japan earthquake on Friday
Up to recently, at least 42 people have reported killed in Japan earthquake which happened this Friday.
Some Indonesian regions should prepare for the coming tsunami from Japan earthquake
Approximately 6 hours after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan, the tsunami which was generated directly from the earthquake will hit some regions in Indonesia.
Northern islands in Indonesia region will be the most affected places by the tsunami. As I have mentioned in my previous posting, Indonesia is one of other several countries on the list of National Weather Service’s as the country which will be affected by the tsunami.
The capitol city, Jakarta, is unlikely to have any effect from the tsunami but people from some regions like Sulawesi Utara, Maluku Utara and Papua has been warned about the coming tsunami.
Villagers in Bere-bere, Morotai, Indonesia have left their home and climbed up the hills to avoid the tsunami. Morotai is a region in Indonesia which has a direct path from the coast of Japan.
Northern islands in Indonesia region will be the most affected places by the tsunami. As I have mentioned in my previous posting, Indonesia is one of other several countries on the list of National Weather Service’s as the country which will be affected by the tsunami.
The capitol city, Jakarta, is unlikely to have any effect from the tsunami but people from some regions like Sulawesi Utara, Maluku Utara and Papua has been warned about the coming tsunami.
Villagers in Bere-bere, Morotai, Indonesia have left their home and climbed up the hills to avoid the tsunami. Morotai is a region in Indonesia which has a direct path from the coast of Japan.
Tsunami warnings in the United States: en evacuation needed?
As I have mentioned in my previous posting, tsunami will also hit some regions in the United States.
As reported recently, the government has issued a tsunami warning for some areas in California, Oregon and Alaska. People live in coastal area in those region should prepare themselves for the worst scenario if the tsunami reached those places.
As reported recently, the government has issued a tsunami warning for some areas in California, Oregon and Alaska. People live in coastal area in those region should prepare themselves for the worst scenario if the tsunami reached those places.
Will the tsunami generated from Japan earthquake hit the United States?
Even though separated by ocean, there is a possibility that the tsunami which was generated by Japan 8.9 magnitude earthquake will hit the United States.
There are several countries listed by the National Weather Service which have possibilities to be hit by the tsunami. They are: Japan, Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, Mexico, New Zealand, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
In addition, The National Weather Service also includes Numerous Pacific islands, including some U.S. territories on the list.
There are several countries listed by the National Weather Service which have possibilities to be hit by the tsunami. They are: Japan, Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, Mexico, New Zealand, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
In addition, The National Weather Service also includes Numerous Pacific islands, including some U.S. territories on the list.
Tsunami warnings over 20 countries has been issued following the Japan earthquake
As reported by National Weather Service, Tsunami warnings over 20 countries has been issued by each authorities. The earthquake’s epicentrum was near the coast of Honshu, Friday afternoon Japan time. The earthquake soon created a massive wall of water that flowed in across the dry land leveling houses and destroying bridges, cars and everything in its path.
Authorities of Guam predict a tsunami hit on the island at 7:09 pm. Sirens sounded in Hawaii, warning has been released to all residents in Hawaii.
Philippines government warned their 19 provinces which has coastal cities that they could expect a tsunami hit their area probably affecting hundreds of thousand of people.
Government in Taiwan has canceled school classes and works but evacuation has not begun yet.
From the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Chip Mc Creary has estimated that the quake has generated waves with magnitudes up to 2 meters above normal sea level.
Authorities of Guam predict a tsunami hit on the island at 7:09 pm. Sirens sounded in Hawaii, warning has been released to all residents in Hawaii.
Philippines government warned their 19 provinces which has coastal cities that they could expect a tsunami hit their area probably affecting hundreds of thousand of people.
Government in Taiwan has canceled school classes and works but evacuation has not begun yet.
From the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Chip Mc Creary has estimated that the quake has generated waves with magnitudes up to 2 meters above normal sea level.
Several other countries outside Japan are threatened by tsunami
There are several other countries outside Japan which are threatened by tsunami. The tsunami was generated by 8.9 magnitude earthquake which just hit Japan.
Several other countries which are threatened by the tsunami are Hawaii, Russia, Marcus Islands, Northern Marianas, Wake Island, Taiwan and Guam.
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned the dangerous threatened areas. According to US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the tsunami could cause damage along coastline of al islands in the state of Hawaii.
Hawaiian local newspaper has declared “urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”
Several other countries which are threatened by the tsunami are Hawaii, Russia, Marcus Islands, Northern Marianas, Wake Island, Taiwan and Guam.
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned the dangerous threatened areas. According to US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the tsunami could cause damage along coastline of al islands in the state of Hawaii.
Hawaiian local newspaper has declared “urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”
Earthquake in Japan triggered dangerous tsunami
Earthquake that has happened in Japan has also triggered dangerous tsunami for other regions, especially cities around the coast.
According to National Weather Service, tsunami warnings has been triggered for several other countries like Russia.
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake which has just hit Japan creates a lot of energy, as Shenza Chen of the US Geological Survey reported. Around 4 million home in Tokyo and other surrounding areas are experiencing power outage as the results of the devastating earthquake in Japan.
National Weather Service also reported “Earthquake this size are known to generate tsunamis potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region. Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter.”
According to National Weather Service, tsunami warnings has been triggered for several other countries like Russia.
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake which has just hit Japan creates a lot of energy, as Shenza Chen of the US Geological Survey reported. Around 4 million home in Tokyo and other surrounding areas are experiencing power outage as the results of the devastating earthquake in Japan.
National Weather Service also reported “Earthquake this size are known to generate tsunamis potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region. Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter.”
Japan was hit by 8.9 magnitude earthquake
Japan was just hit by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. This magnificent 8.9 earthquake has triggered tsunamis. A massive body of water are sent into the land of Japan, destroying boats and houses.
The united state Geological Survey has reported that the epicenter was 373 kilometers (or 231 miles) away from Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.
The devastating quakes has destroyed many buildings and bridges are fell off, sending cars into waters underneath.
Great waves flowing across farmlands, pushing anything on its way.
The united state Geological Survey has reported that the epicenter was 373 kilometers (or 231 miles) away from Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.
The devastating quakes has destroyed many buildings and bridges are fell off, sending cars into waters underneath.
Great waves flowing across farmlands, pushing anything on its way.
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