Radiation from Japanese nuclear power plants
March 2011
For Australians returning from Japan, there may be concerns about radiation from the nuclear power plants affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
At present it is unlikely that a person who has recently visited Japan and returns to Australia would have been exposed to radioactive contamination or radiation emanating from the nuclear power plants affected by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami. It is therefore unlikely that any radioactive contamination would be detected on people returning from Japan or that they would suffer any radiation health effects.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the organisation in Australia that advises the Government and members of the Public on preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.
ARPANSA will maintain up-to-date information on its website regarding any changes in the radiation levels and potential risks of health effects associated with nuclear power plants in Japan.
A person who has recently visited Japan and is concerned about their health should contact a medical practitioner.
Information on radiation protection, detection and measurement can be sought from the EPA Radiation Protection Branch on 8463 7826.
Monitoring of Japanese goods
ARPANSA continues to advise that at this point in time it is not considered necessary to introduce any radiation screening measures for mail, sea or air cargo, or aircraft arriving from Japan. This is consistent with the approach being taken in a number of other countries, such as the UK, Canada and New Zealand.
The Japanese Government and industry have established processes for monitoring of goods exported from Japan. The radiation protection criteria used for this contamination screening is consistent with Australian and international guidance.