There is currently no risk of radiation to area residents from overheating nuclear reactors in Japan, according to county, state and federal agencies.
Montezuma County Emergency Manager Doug Parker said he has read information indicating low levels of radiation might reach the U.S., but it is not yet a health risk.
There are monitoring stations in place detecting low levels of radiation, he said.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a statement saying there is no threat to Colorado residents or anyone in the U.S. at this point. Colorados distance from Japan significantly reduces the risk of exposure.
The New York Times reported Wednesday a United Nations forecast shows the radiation plume from Japan potentially spreading across the Pacific as far as Utah and Arizona. However, the federal nuclear commission said the levels of radiation are not significant enough to be harmful to humans.
The state health department statement points out people are exposed to low levels of radiation daily from televisions, mobile phones, computers and the natural environment. There is no reason to take potassium iodide, a common treatment for radiation poisoning, at this time, said the health department statement.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.