It has been more than six weeks since Japan was struck by disastrous earthquakes and tsunamis. During the incident, the nuclear power plants in the damaged area were damaged, exposing the region to radiation. The plants are not completely fixed yet and the threat of radiation exposure is still increasing. Because certain levels of radiation exposure are known to increase the risk of cancer, many feared that radioactive elements from Japan would harm people in America. However, America is located in the safe zone.

     Since March 11, the day of the incident, the media had been reporting that the radiation level in Japan was increasing. In the evacuation zone near the plants, radiation was measured as being 1000 times above the normal level. Experts claimed that long term exposures in such high radiation would definitely cause harm. The leak of contaminated water from the nuclear plants to the sea aroused concerns for a possibly ruined marine ecology system. Such a crisis in Japan enlarges fear in America. However, the incident poses a minimal threat to America and people do not need to be panicked by exaggerated rumors that people of the West coast are likely to get cancer. Recent reports reveal that radiation level in America is extremely low and far below the harmful measure.

     Those dangers in Japan cannot get across the Pacific Ocean. In America, imports from Japan are closely examined and some products known to be affected by radiation such as milk are not imported anymore. Also, even though radiation is found in milk produced in America, it is 5000 times below harmful level and radiation in the air is also at very low levels. Now, Japan successfully covered up nuclear activity in the damaged plants, eliminating further increase in radiation exposure.

     Even if we are not harmed in America, not everyone in the world is safe from the radiation. We should pay more attention and be willing to help them when those people need help.