Irwin Redlener , director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University , said his main message is the United States should be prepared for a potential disaster . Congressman wants people living near reactors to have pills handy . A health consultant said that ` ` a well - known but bad idea '' Trace amounts of radiation prompted a ban on pills in Canada .
Congressman wants people living near reactors to have pills handy . A health consultant said that ` ` a well - known but bad idea '' Trace amounts of radiation prompted a ban on pills in Canada .