Radiation risk is only within the evacuation zones, says WHO, as of March 19

According to The World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 19 info sharing, it seems unlikely that significant amounts of radiation will affect areas outside of Japan. Rumours are circulating about radiation drifting to other countries. Based on available information, this does not appear to be the case. Exposure to radioactive material released from the affected facilities will be largely limited to the evacuation zone within Japan.

There is therefore currently very little risk for Pacific island countries and territories due to the considerable distances involved, even for the Pacific countries and territories nearest to Japan.

As such, WHO does not currently recommend any measures for persons outside of Japan (including the Pacific island countries and territories) where residents should continue with their normal activities.

Potassium iodide tablets are only recommended for people with very high exposure to radiation and should not be taken unless prescribed by a doctor. There are already reports from some national poison centers about overdoses and toxicity occurring in frightened people who are self medicating

The recommendation to stay indoors applies only to those people living within 20 to 30 km of the affected facility in Japan. No one outside of Japan, including in the Pacific, need take any precautions like avoiding rainfall or outdoor activities.

Unfortunately, rumours have been circulating by email and text messaging. These messages are usually very obvious in their tone and appearance. Members of the public are encouraged to tell anyone who circulates such statements that such distributions are not appreciated.

For more information on health implications as the situation evolves, see these WHO websites:
www.wpro.who.int/sites/eha and http://www.who.int/en/

For FAQs go to: http://www.wpro.who.int/sites/eha/disasters/2011/jpn_earthquake/list.htm