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Singapore is located more than 5,000 km away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Even in the unlikely event that any radioactive plume reaches Singapore, the impact is expected to be inconsequential as the concentration of radioactive substances would be diluted to insignificant levels over the long distance. The Singapore Government will continue with its surveillance and measures to safeguard the public against radioactive contamination.
MFA: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) no longer advises against non-essential travel to Japan. The coastal areas of Miyagi and Iwate prefectures, which were hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami, have gradually returned to normal.
In the case of Fukushima prefecture, Singaporeans should strictly observe the exclusion zone of 20 km around the Fukushima nuclear power plant, and the areas designated by the Japanese Government as "Deliberate Evacuation Area" and "Evacuation Prepared Area". Singaporeans are also strongly advised to check regularly the latest assessments and announcements from the Japanese Government and the IAEA on the nuclear situation.
AVA: Only beef from AVA-approved sources in Japan are allowed to be imported into Singapore. AVA continues to closely monitor the radiation situation and test food imported from Japan. So far, samples of meat have tested negative for radioactive contamination. Total import of meat from Japan is negligible, i.e. less than 1% of total meat import.
NEA: Monitoring shows that the radiation levels in Singapore remain normal. In addition, coastal water samples tested by NEA did not show the presence of radioactive iodine and cesium.
MOH: Any Singaporean who was outside the evacuation zones will not need any form of medical assessment, nor will they need to seek prescriptions for potassium iodide. Transient consumption of produce and animal products at current reported levels of contamination is also unlikely to pose a health hazard.
ICA: There is an existing screening system for all cargoes entering Singapore. This includes radiological screening.
ICAO, IMO and WHO: There are no health reasons that would require the screening of passengers from Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 12 October 2011)
Questions about the Japan nuclear disaster, The Sunday Times 25 Mar
| PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN BY THE SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT | |
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has conducted continuous monitoring of radiation levels since the start of the incident. This monitoring shows that the radiation levels in Singapore remain normal. In addition, coastal water samples tested by NEA did not show the presence of radioactive iodine and cesium. The public can obtain the latest updates from the NEA website at www.nea.gov.sg or contact the NEA Call Centre at 1800-2255632. PUB has also stepped up the daily monitoring of radioactivity level in Singapore's water supplies, including rain water in the catchments. The radioactivity levels remain well within the safety levels stipulated in the World Health Organisation Drinking Water Guidelines. Should any radioactive particles be detected, PUB waterworks are also able to remove them through the treatment process. Surveillance of Food Imports The AVA has lifted its suspension on the import of fruits and vegetables from Shizuoka, Hyogo and Ehime prefectures. The AVA currently suspends the import of all fruits and vegetables from the prefectures of Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Chiba. The AVA had also suspended the import of milk, milk products, seafood and meat from Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi and Gunma. Health Advisory MOH's assessment is that any Singaporean who was outside the evacuation zones will not need any form of medical assessment, nor will they need to seek prescriptions for potassium iodide (KI). Singaporeans currently residing in Japan should monitor the news closely and take heed of local health advisories, which currently make no recommendation to take Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets. Singaporeans in Japan should not take KI tablets unless specifically advised by emergency management officials, public health officials or medical experts. Singapore's Ministry of Health has advised that KI tablets are not "radiation antidotes". They do not protect against external radiation, or against any other radioactive substances besides radioactive iodine. They may also cause medical complications for some individuals, and small children and pregnant women will need special supervision. Although there is currently no need for Singaporeans in Japan to take KI tablets, the Singapore government has made provisions for the issuance of KI tablets to Singaporeans in affected areas, to be used based on the advice of local public health authorities, should the need arise. In such a situation, the KI tablets must be prescribed by medical professionals or expert health authorities as KI tablets are a prescription drug. Transient consumption of produce and animal products at current reported levels of contamination is also unlikely to pose a health hazard. Singaporeans returning from the evacuation zone who feel unwell may wish to seek medical advice at the Emergency Department of their nearby Public Restructured Hospital upon return to Singapore for medical consultation. For more information pertaining to health concerns and radiation exposure matters, please refer to the Ministry of Health's FAQs (PDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) FAQs on 'Nuclear Concerns in Japan. For health-related queries, please contact the MOH Hotline at Tel: 1800 333 9999. Screening of Cargo The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore (ICA) already has a screening system for all cargoes entering Singapore. This includes radiological screening. Such screen had been conducted even before the recent Japan nuclear incident. Screening of Aircraft and Ships Current developments do not necessitate the screening of aircraft and vessels from Japan. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), had reported that there were no health reasons to screen passengers from Japan. |