What to Do If You've Consumed Radiation-Contaminated Food?

What to do if you consume food containing radiation?

I previously had several X-rays and thought that drinking green tea would help repair the damage caused by radiation exposure, so I have been drinking a strong Japanese green tea daily.
However, I recently found out that this green tea contains radioactive tea leaves from Shizuoka, Japan, which is currently the only confirmed problematic source.
I am quite distressed as I have been drinking it for almost two months, and I have also had follow-up X-rays.
My health has not been great to begin with.
What should I do now, doctor? Since radioactive iodine and cesium can accumulate in the body and are difficult to eliminate, could this lead to tumors? Additionally, I need to have follow-up X-rays, but I have been feeling weak lately.
Can I go ahead with the X-rays, or should I wait until I feel better to minimize the cancer risk? Thank you, Dr.
Fan.

Tengyuan Ping, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/11/28

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology

Dear Ms.
Fujiwara,
I hope this message finds you well.
In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following information:
1.
According to Japan's national inspection standards, the average cesium content is 500 becquerels per kilogram, while the detected level has reached 679 becquerels per kilogram.
In Shizuoka Prefecture, it is estimated that if the tea is brewed and consumed, the cesium concentration will dilute to 1/85 of the original amount, which poses no health risk.
Additionally, Shizuoka Prefecture has implemented tea production inspections across 19 local production areas, and the cesium levels have not exceeded the safety limits.
2.
May I ask how many grams of Shizuoka tea you consume daily? For how long have you been consuming it continuously? This information will help estimate the total becquerels you may have ingested.
3.
Becquerel (Bq) is a unit of radioactivity.
Clinically, we use iodine-131 to assess thyroid doses, which is typically between 3-5 millicuries.
To clarify, 1 becquerel equals 2.7 x 10^-8 millicuries, or 0.000000027 millicuries.
It is important to note that cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years.
However, I believe you do not need to worry too much, as the amount you have ingested should not be significant.
4.
If you are still concerned, I recommend that you have a blood test (CBC, differential count, platelet count) every 1-3 months to check for any abnormalities in bone marrow function.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lai
December 1, 2014
California, USA

Reply Date: 2014/11/28

More Info

If you have consumed food that may be contaminated with radiation, such as tea made from leaves sourced from areas affected by nuclear incidents, it is understandable to feel concerned about the potential health implications. However, it is important to approach this situation with a clear understanding of the risks and the body's ability to manage radiation exposure.

First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize that the immediate health risks from consuming radiation-contaminated food are generally low, especially if the exposure was limited and infrequent. The body has mechanisms to eliminate small amounts of radioactive materials, and acute exposure to radiation from a single instance of consuming contaminated food is unlikely to result in immediate health effects. The concern primarily lies in the cumulative effects of radiation exposure over time, which can increase the risk of developing cancer.

In the case of radioactive isotopes such as iodine-131 or cesium-137, these can indeed be absorbed by the body. Iodine-131, for example, tends to accumulate in the thyroid gland, while cesium-137 can distribute throughout the body. However, the body can excrete these isotopes, particularly if they are not present in large quantities. Drinking plenty of fluids, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate iodine intake (if iodine-131 is a concern) can help the body eliminate these substances more effectively.

Regarding your specific situation with the green tea, if you have been consuming it for two months, it is advisable to stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend monitoring your health through blood tests or imaging studies to assess any potential effects of radiation exposure. It is also important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, especially if you feel weak or unwell.

As for your concerns about follow-up X-rays, it is essential to weigh the necessity of the imaging against your current health status. If you are feeling particularly weak, it may be prudent to wait until you are in a better state of health before undergoing additional X-rays. This is because while the risk of radiation from a single X-ray is relatively low, repeated exposure can accumulate, and your body may not handle it well if you are already compromised.

In summary, if you suspect you have consumed radiation-contaminated food, take the following steps:
1. Stop Consumption: Cease consuming any products that may be contaminated.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your concerns and any symptoms with a doctor who can provide personalized advice and possibly recommend tests.

3. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Nutrition: Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

4. Monitor Your Health: Keep track of any changes in your health and report them to your healthcare provider.

5. Evaluate Imaging Needs: If you need follow-up imaging, discuss the timing and necessity with your doctor, especially if you are feeling unwell.

Remember, while the fear of radiation exposure is valid, understanding the actual risks and taking appropriate actions can help alleviate anxiety and ensure your health is monitored effectively.

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