Three concepts to think about when protecting yourself from radiation:  Time, distance and shielding.

The less time you spend in a radioactive environment the better.  The further away you are from a radioactive event the better.  If you can’t do those things then you need to be shielded, and the type of shielding depends on the type of radiation.

Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper.

Beta particles can be stopped by thick aluminum, and in the case of more potent Beta particles thick plastic, wood, Plexiglas or water.

X-ray and gamma radiation can be blocked with lead, depleted uranium or barium sulfate.

Neutrons can not be blocked, this type of radiation was detected at the Fukushima nuclear plant.  This is why the Neutron bomb is so bad.

It is not practical for most people to pack lead lined clothing, or line their house with lead, or to dig a deep underground shelter, etc.  Also, some forms of radiation contamination will remain for decades.  Practically speaking, for most people it is impossible to protect yourself from radiation contamination.

Officials at latest press conference have made statements that make it clear that there is confusion as to what is going on at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Statements made include the fact that there is confusion over types of units of radiation measurement.  Also, confusion over what is causing smoke coming from reactor 3, and confusion over what is causing some radiation readings to go up.

Now saying that reactor 4 actually exploded yesterday (not just fire).  Photos presented as proof, and to explain how spent fuel rods were exposed.

Fukushima officials say they are asking for help from the Japanese Self Defense Forces.  Situation rapidly changing at Fukushima plant 1 (Daiichi).

Smoke from reactor 3.  Radiation levels increasing.  Officials admit they are having trouble making clear which unit of measurement they are using for radiation levels.  Containment vessel in reactor 3 might be damaged.  Cause unknown at this point.  Confirming damage to reactor 2 suppression chamber.

Reuters, and NHK, reporting that the white smoke from Fukushima Daiichi, is coming from reactor 3.  It is suspected to be coming from the Spent Fuel Rod Pool of reactor 3.

NHK reporting another fire at the plant.  No details on the new fire.

Radiation emitted by the Fukushima plant include the following four types: iodine-131, cesium-137, strontium-90 and plutonium-239.

Iodine-131 causes thyroid cancer, even with the smallest of amount of exposure.

Strontium is similar to calcium, so the body absorbs it into the bones thinking it is calcium.  Strontium can remain in your bones for years, and can cause cancer like leukemia.

Cesium is like potassium, in that it circulates to every part of the body. It causes cancer in your body’s organs.

Plutonium-239 is what makes up most of a nuclear fuel rod. Causes lung cancer.

All these radiations are active for years. Plutonium is active tens of thousands of years. This is why the area directly surrounding Chernobyl is still off limits, since 1986. Also, there are islands that had been used in nuclear testing during the Cold War, that are still off limits.

NHK reporting that there is a constant stream of white smoke coming from the Fukushima nuclear plant 1 (Daiichi).

NHK has a helicopter about 30km away from the plant, transmitting live video.  The Japanese government has declared a no fly zone over the plant, because of the radiation.