Viewpoint.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan are a tragedy of overwhelming proportions.
The images are heartbreaking to watch.
The human suffering is unthinkable.

As a fellow human I feel overwhelmed.
How can I possibly help?
I can write a check but I also want to DO something.

As a mother I am undone.
I keep thinking about what if it where happening to my children?
I live in an area prone to earthquakes, it is impossible not to imagine that it might happen here.
My fear is based in no science whatsoever but the earth seems to be moving a lot with the recent earthquakes in Haiti, Mexico, New Zealand and now Japan. To my mind it seems possible that there may be some knock on effect to the tectonic plates under the ground that I live on.

Then there's the nuclear plant instability and the potential of radiation contamination.
Trying to get reliable information feels next to impossible.
You can read multiple different opinions online.
What I consider to be reputable news sources are changing their view daily.

So I'm going with my gut. To my mind there is a possibility that radiation has entered the atmosphere. There is also the possibility that it will reach California.
In the same way that I wear a life jacket on a yacht - I am going to take precautions.

I found iodine in a well known brand of multi-vitamin for kids.
I found iodine in a once a day mineral supplement for adults.
We're taking them.
I am also going to add some kelp into our food.

In discussion with other parents I have encountered many reactions.
Some people are dismissive. Some have mocked me for my panic.
Some are unaware of the issue.
Some have been argumentative.
Some head to the shops to join me in feeding iodine to their family.

For me it feels good to do something.
So we'll take our iodine and we're organizing a benefit.
There's no panic, judgement or implied knowledge involved.