After the recent explosion at a nuclear plant in Japan, radiation levels in the air are significant enough to have to evacuate the nearby area.

“The public has been evacuated and provided with potassium thyrode, which is very effective,” said David Miller of the department of Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering (NPRE).

Miller said the direction of the wind is critical in how the radiation will affect the public.

“They have to be careful and only allow official personnel on site,” Miller said.

Miller said there is a possibility of radioactive material entering the atmosphere and coming towards the U.S. Plants across the U.S. are collecting samples of the radiation levels in the air.

“Measurements need to be carefully taken to protect public,” Miller said.