1. Will vessels, airplanes included, and cargoes from Japan be radiation-contaminated as a result of the nuclear power plant accident?

For radiation health protection, the most fundamental principle is control at source. In this regard, it is reassuring to learn that the Japanese authority has already imposed a no-entry zone for transport of 30km from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This means that vessels can only travel in air or water space that is considered free of harmful levels of radioactive contaminants.

Indeed, the International Civil Aviation Organization, on behalf of respectively the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Maritime Organization, the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization, has issued a joint statement on the continued safety of international transport operations in Japan. These five organizations confirmed that at present, there is neither the need to impose other restriction on Japan for normal international transport operations or screen vessels or cargoes leaving the country.

Afterall, given that the infrastructure and logistics in Fukushima and its vicinity is severely damaged by the earthquake, the tsunami and the ongoing nuclear accident, and the top priority there is on rescue and relief, it is most unlikely that cargos are being packed and leaving from such high risk areas.

Before addressing the question, one must understand how people get exposed to radiation. We can do so either from sources outside or inside of our body.

In the present case, external irradiation can be produced when radioactive materials, whether as aerosol, dust or liquid become attached to the skin or clothes.

However, unless a cargo has come from the evacuation zone in Fukushima and without proper decontamination, the risk of cross-contamination from such a piece has to be very remote, if any.

Besides, external contamination can be dealt with by change of clothes or covering, and washing off with water and soap.

Internal contamination may result from breathing in, swallowing radioactive materials or through contamination of wounds. Again, it is highly unusual for a cargo handler to acquire internal contamination by handling cargoes. This low risk can further be controlled by diligent observation of personal hygiene.

Specifically on personal protective clothing, good protective practice requires that the degree of protection ought to commensurate with the degree of risk.

As the risk of exposure for cargo handlers in Hong Kong is assessed to be almost negligible, it follows that no special personal protective equipment is indicated.

Nonetheless, the importance of good personal hygienic practice cannot be over-emphasised. This includes timely hand washing and change of uniforms, and showering after work. Workers should report to their supervisors if they detect anything suspicious or are in doubt.

The Department of Health is monitoring developments in Japan carefully in order to assess its impact on public health. Information on this site will be updated whenever necessary.