A twelve day Geiger counter reading was taken of the radioactive fallout which rained down on Saint Louis Missouri during the 11/8/11 rain event. The sample shows evidence of persistent long half life radiation which is capable of accumulating in the environment. This is not the first such detection we have encountered, but it is the longest continuous sample reading we have taken to date. The charts below show the evidence of the event; the raw data the charts were generate from will be made available for download shortly.
The detection reemphasizes the need to take cost effective risk mitigation measures; the primary measures we are taking are to avoid tracking the fallout into the house (wet clothes, wet cars in the garage), and protecting water and food intake.
Based on some good critiques via blog comments, we are in the process of revamping our rapid analysis methodology to reflect an increased level of uncertainty in identifying fallout with a less than one day half life. The increased uncertainty is not yet at a level to reduce or increase our risk mitigation strategies; but its influence is noticeable in the charts below. A video describing the detections below in greater detail will follow.
Hey, Mr. X, I notice the Risk Mitigation to the left here. Question, given the level and type of fallout reading in the rain, how and what amount might you be using of Potassium Iodine in these times?
ReplyDeleteWe have not taken any IOSTAT tablets; but we increased our supply after Fukushima. Our risk mitigation for radioiodines is to monitor our body's iodine "thirst" by applying a small square of liquid iodine and seeing how long it takes to disappear. Additionally, we utilize N95 Carbon filter masks as required during travel.
ReplyDeleteIOSTAT is best to keep at hand for cases like North Anna, Virginia where the hurricane would have prevent authorities from distributing it (or even notifying the public of the need to take it)
Could you describe the process behind measuring your body's iodine "thirst" a little more, like where do you apply the square of liquid iodine (and where do you acquire it)?
ReplyDeleteAlso, how is it an effective measurement? (what's the science behind it?)
Keep up the good work.
Here is an article that goes into some good detail about the subject. "The bioavailability of iodine applied to the skin" http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/updates/UNIOD-02/UNIOD_02.htm
ReplyDeleteIt is a technique the the Russians used on numbers of people after Chernobyl; but given the overall medical nature of the issue, it is something that individuals should discuss with their doctors.