The Invisible Killer

I think there are few things as frightening to mortals as the idea of an invisible killer stalking them. Of the many invisible killers stalking mortals, ionizing radiation is pretty salient at this point. Specifically the ongoing meltdown over at good ole Japan. Lovely.

Right, then. There have been reports of radiation leakage at the nuke reactor, and the Chinese are understandably concerned about the situation. What's interesting is how the people at risk will grasp at straws to ensure that their continued health is maintained. In this case, there was a run on salt, because a rumor went around that consuming salt (presumably iodized salt in this case, because of the iodine content) would safeguard one from radiation related ailments.

Indeed, it seems to me that this is a really good way to manipulate the masses, by putting them in fear of their own well being. A good way to achieve this is to create an invisible enemy that everyone must band together to fight. An invisible killer that only the leadership can see for sure. Of course, that also demands the peoples' absolute obedience to the cause...