There are currently 54 nuclear reactors in Japan. (Click here to see their location.)
Situation at Fukushima
Japan has categorised the incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant as a Level 5 accident (International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale), that is, an accident with limited release of radioactive materials requiring implementation of planned countermeasures.
The Embassy has been closely monitoring the situation at the Fukushima reactors since 11 March 2011. Although the situation there remains serious, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there have been some steady improvements. Based on information from the Japanese authorities and other international agencies, there is a very low threat of radioactive contamination for persons outside the reactors’ 30 km exclusion zone (imposed by the Japanese government).
Nuclear Accident
Singaporeans should remain indoors, shut all windows and doors, turn off air-conditioners, tune in to the Japanese local media for advice and instructions, and take heed of local health advisories.
Potassium Iodide tablets
Singaporeans are not advised to take Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets unless specifically advised by emergency management officials, public health officials or medical experts.
Singapore's Ministry of Health has advised that KI tablets are not "radiation antidotes". They do not protect against external radiation, or against any other radioactive substances besides radioactive iodine. They may also cause medical complications for some individuals. Young children and pregnant women will need special supervision.
The Singapore government has made provisions for the issuance of KI tablets to Singaporeans in Japan should the need arise. In such a situation, the KI tablets must be prescribed by medical professionals or expert health authorities as KI tablets are a prescription drug.
For More Information