Authorities in Japan have declared a nuclear emergency following the loss of power to ten nuclear reactor units in three separate nuclear power plants (Onagawa, Fukushima Daiichi and Fukiushima Daini). The cooling systems at both Daiichi and Daini experienced problems. Daiichi experienced explosions in three units (Nos. 1, 2 and 3) and a fire has occurred at another unit (No. 4).

The loss of power and explosions followed a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the Pacific Ocean east of Japan’s island of Honshu on March 11, 2011. There are ongoing aftershocks.

The Japanese Government is working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is taking extreme efforts to manage the radiation event.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers monitor the updated situation reports about the event posted by the Japanese government and the Western Pacific Regions of the World Health Organization.

For more information on Japan and travel security, visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.

Where is radiation a concern?

Based on the information available, an evacuation zone has been established within 20km of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. The Japanese authorities have also recommended people staying between 20 km and 30 km away from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed and refrain from using ventilation systems.

Areas outside the evacuation zone do not have radiation levels associated with a health risk. However, there is a health risk within the evacuation zone, and travellers are advised to follow advice of the Japanese government if they have been in the evacuation zone.

There is no health risk associated with radiation to Canadians travelling into or out of Japan, provided they have not been within the evacuation zone established by Japan.

Food and Water safety

Japanese authorities have put in place monitoring programs to identify food and water with increased levels of radioactive contamination. As a result, restrictions on the distribution and/or consumption of contaminated food and water in specified prefectures continue to be issued.

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are in regular contact with Japanese authorities and will continue to provide information to Canadians as the situation evolves.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises travellers:

to follow the advice of the Japanese government particularly where it concerns the ongoing or future protective measures around the nuclear facilities.
to observe an evacuation zone of 80 km around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station as a precautionary measure, given the evolving situation.
to follow the advice of Japanese authorities regarding food and water consumption and protective measures such as potassium iodide (KI) by monitoring updates from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
to choose foods produced and manufactured in other regions less impacted by the current emergency as an extra precaution.