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HPA News June 2011

HPA-CRCE-020: Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Great Britain (1989-2008)
A long-term trend of an ongoing survey of solar radiation levels at the six different latitude sites in Great Britain (GB) is investigated.
Added/updated: 17 June 2011

HPA-CRCE-019: An Analysis of Radon Remediation Methods
Radon gas in the home is a major source of public radiation exposure and an established cause of lung cancer. A range of techniques are available to reduce high indoor radon concentrations in homes. Information on some 2,700 radon remediation projects has been analysed with the aim of identifying the factors that influence the performance of various remediation methods, including the specific remediation techniques applied, the physical characteristics of the home, the radon level before remediation and who carried out the work.
Added/updated: 20 May 2011

HPA-CRCE-018: Health Risks from Radioactive Objects on Beaches in the Vicinity of the Sellafield Site
In 2007, the Environment Agency (EA) sought the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on the health implications of the findings of this beach monitoring and this advice has since been updated.
Added/updated: 20 April 2011

Use of Prussian Blue (Ferric Hexacyanoferrate) for Decorporation of Radiocaesium - RCE 17
This document provides advice on the use of Prussian Blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate) as a decorporation agent in the event of poisoning with radiocaesium. It has been developed by the Health Protection Agency in partnership with a number of organisations using the scientific evidence available and advice from other countries.
Added/updated: 17 February 2011

http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733769169

HPA News March 2011

HPA response to events at the Japanese nuclear power plant

The HPA advises any United Kingdom nationals in Japan who may be affected by the recent earthquake to closely follow public health information given out by the Japanese authorities.
Due to the evolving situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, the UK Government is advising UK nationals currently in Tokyo and to the north of Tokyo to consider leaving the area. As an additional precaution it has also extended the exclusion zone for UK nationals to 80km (50 miles) around the nuclear plant. This is in line with the US recommendation.

The HPA will continue to keep its advice under review according to the developing situation.
There is no health risk to people living in the UK from the release of radioactive material from the Japanese nuclear power plant.

Returning Travellers

On the basis of current information, UK citizens outside the exclusion zone will not have been exposed to potentially harmful levels of radiation. The Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) has a helpline: 020 7008 0000 and its latest advice to travellers can be found on its website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/.

Health Protection Agency Role

The organisation leading the international response is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Health Protection Agency has a wide range of public health expertise on the effects of radiation, chemicals and environmental hazards. Advice and information is available on the Agency's website at www.hpa.org.uk.
The HPA has been assessing information provided by the Japanese authorities and the IAEA, and is advising the United Kingdom Government that UK nationals living near the nuclear power plants should follow the advice of the Japanese authorities and the FCO.