Monday, 22 June 2015

5 Things You’re Not Being Told About Fukushima

In March 2011, a massive earthquake and an ensuing tsunami triggered the meltdown of three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant. Almost 4 years later we’re still seeing repercussions of the disaster, and the effects will likely continue for decades. This disaster is contributing to untold health concerns and environmental damage.

Five Things You Should Know About Fukushima

While you may have heard information about Fukushima in the news, there are some stories the mainstream media isn’t covering. Let’s dive into 5 things you’re not being told about the Fukushima situation.

1. Two Trillion Becquerels of Radioactive Material Escaped Reactor 1

A recent report from the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) says 2 trillion becquerels of radiation may have flowed into the Fukushima power plant bay in a short amount of time. From August 2013 to May 2014, documents estimate that the No. 1 reactor leaked more than 10 times the limit of radioactive material TEPCO set before the meltdown. [1] That’s a lot of radiation drifting out into the Pacific Ocean!

2. US West Coast Will Experience Peak Radiation in 2015

Scientific reports suggest levels of Cesium-137 will peak in water supplies on the US West Coast and in Canada by the end of this year. [2] Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that presents a strong danger to human health. After drinking contaminated water, your body’s tissues can be exposed to low levels of gamma and beta radiation which could increase your risk for certain types of cancer. [3]

3. Thyroid Cancer is Spreading in Japan

Radiation in water is just one concern; thyroid cancer, often linked to radiation exposure, is on the rise among youth in the Fukushima Prefecture. Local government officials want to downplay a connection to radiation from the triple meltdown and these new cases of cancer. While it’s still too soon to determine an actual cause, experts agree that the rate of incidence is disturbingly high. [4]

4. Japan is Planning to Build More Nuclear Plants

After the natural disasters that led to the Fukushima meltdown, all of Japan’s nuclear reactors were suspended. In 2012, the Japanese government created a regulatory agency to restore public confidence in nuclear power. Recently, the agency approved the reopening of 2 of Japan’s 48 reactors. [5] There are many that believe the safety certification of the two reactors at Sendai Power Plant was pushed by the current government. The current prime minister is unashamedly pro-nuclear and wants to reopen and build more reactors. But, in an earthquake-prone country, is this really the best idea?

5. Experts Can’t Agree on the Health Dangers

With a pro-nuclear government in power, Japan is seeing something similar to what happened in Ukraine after Chernobyl. Nuclear authorities tend to deny the negative results reported by researchers in an attempt to further their goals; in this case, a return to nuclear power. [6] Many scientists are rather miffed with a watered-down UN report that came out in late 2013. [7] They argue it ignored negative scientific studies and lacked documentation for certain claims, leaving some worried that authorities won’t acknowledge the radiation threat until it’s too late. [8]

Fukushima is a Bad Situation

The Fukushima disaster has left us a terrible legacy we can’t give back. Unfortunately, the Japanese—especially those in the Fukushima Prefecture—can’t even drink their sorrows away. The sake brewers there are finding no one wants to buy their products due to reports of contaminated rice and water. [9]
What do you think about the Fukushima disaster? Please tell us your thoughts and/or concerns in the comments.
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