Just Reactors...Radioactive Exposure is Japan's Risk, Not Our's...!

While I've been impressed to hear stories of Japanese workers risking their own lives by exposing themselves to radioactivity, I've been puzzled, saddened and frustrated to hear about the overreactive, panicky run on potassium iodide pills in the U.S.

Let's take a moment to consider the justice implications of some very different reactions in a disaster. Here are a few examples: 1) take care of ourselves and our loved ones at the expense of others, 2) take care of ourselves and our loved ones without concern for how it affects others, 3) take care of ourselves so we are not a burden on others, 4) watch out for others and share our resources even if it involves sacrifice, and 5) risk our own life and wellbeing to protect others.

I think Jesus would especially applaud either of the last two, and then lead the way for the last option.

So many people in our country have stocked up on these pills that there are none left in stock. People who take these now could be hurting themselves and the Japanese. What if we are called upon to send potassium iodide to Japan where people are directly exposed? We couldn't. Yet if people here have these pills, they are useless -- either sitting in their medicine cabinets or in their bodies if they have taken these pills. They would be much more useful in Japan and it's neighboring countries which are more potentially touched by the radioactive leak.

Perhaps I'm jumping to the wrong conclusion and being overreactive myself. Perhaps all these reactive people ran out to altruistically buy the pills to selflessly donate them to Japan. Perhaps they were also moved by the stories of the workers risking their lives to work on the nuclear plant in Japan.

Let's pray for these selfless heroes and other innocent victims in Japan. And please send them all our potassium iodide pills!

For more information read the following:

At Their Own Risk: What Will Happen To The Fukushima Workers? : Shots - Health Blog : NPR
Iodine Tablets Can Reduce Thyroid Cancer Risk : Shots - Health Blog : NPR
Iodized Salt Is No Antidote For Radiation : Shots - Health Blog : NPR