How to avoid radiation injuries

MANILA, Philippines—Aside from taking iodine rich foods like seaweed, the public has also been advised by a toxicologist to take oral detoxifying agents, antioxidant fruits and vegetables, and anti-radiation herbs to fight any possible radiation injury coming from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Dr. Romeo Quijano, professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of the Philippines in Manila, said radiation injuries could be avoided by taking precautionary and mitigation measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle – taking adequate nutrition, sleep, exercise, avoidance of toxic chemicals, among others.

Speaking during the hearing of the Senate committee on health and demography on Wednesday, Quijano also advised the public to take uncontaminated iodine rich foods like seaweed or iodide tablet supplements; uncontaminated fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants like berries, guava, guyabano, bignay soy bean, portulaca, peperomia, corchorus (saluyot), basella (alugbati), beets, brassica vegetables, and spirullina, among others; as well as sulfur-containing vegetables like garlic, and onions.

The public, Quijano said, should also take oral detoxifying agents, anti-radiation herbs and minerals, especially calcium, potassium, zinc, iodine and multivitamin supplementation.

“Stay indoors when radioactive fallout is likely in your geographic area, especially during rains,” said a copy of his presentation to the committee furnished to the media.

Among the pointers from the document: “Do not collect rainwater for drinking or home use. Keep doors and windows closed, turn off air conditioners. Wear activated carbon filter mask if you cannot avoid exposure through air.”