Should I be concerned about radiation?

Should I be concerned about radiation from Japan? Yes, and no! It is unlikely a nuclear meltdown similar to Chernobyl will occur but it is likely that several reactors from the Fukushima plant will slowly meltdown and continue to emit radiation for some time. As of this moment there is significant radiation in the surrounding soil, air and water in Japan which will affect their food products for years. For US citizens radiation is a much smaller concern. Radiation has already been found in US milk and no one quite knows what will happen to seafood products. However, it is incredibly important to note that there is no acceptable (or good) level of radiation. Radiation is accumulative and will mutate dna over time. The risk of immediate illness is probably very low but long term situations are much different. Personally I do not want my child eating or drinking a product with "trace" radiactive particles.