Fukushima Nuclear accident history and Treated Water
The Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan occurred on March 11, 2011, and the reactor was damaged by an earthquake and tsunami, causing radioactive materials to leak. Since then, numerous radioactive pollutants have accumulated along with groundwater and groundwater, producing large-scale pollutants. This contaminated water has been stored through water purification treatment to date.
Japan has approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. The water will be treated and diluted so radiation levels are below those set for drinking water. But the local fishing industry has strongly opposed the move, as have China and South Korea. The plan is expected to take decades.
What is the current status of Fukushima nuclear plant?
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA provided its assessments, which are contained in full at the end of the report. The assessment has been performed on aspects presented in the February 2023 report ‘Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Stationn’. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.
Is it safe to visit Fukushima now?
Yes, it is safe to visit Fukushima now. The radiation levels differ a bit depending on where you are, but overall the area is safe with normal levels of radiation. Many people are still very hesitant about visiting the Fukushima area as they think it is still unsafe and they may be exposed to high levels of radiation. But the answer is yes.
Japan is saying, but I never think so.
How has the disaster affected people’s lives?
The disaster has affected people’s lives in many ways. The earthquake and tsunami caused widespread damage and loss of life. The nuclear disaster forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the surrounding area, and many have not been able to return home. The disaster also had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly the fishing industry.
How many people died in the disaster?
According to the Wikipedia page on Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster casualties, there was one confirmed death from radiation (lung cancer, 4 years later), and 2,202 deaths from evacuation.
Potential risks from discharge into contaminated water
First, we are concerned about the impact on the marine ecosystem. Radioactive materials released into the sea can have a direct impact on living things in marine ecosystems. Especially when radioactive contamination occurs, aquatic organisms can absorb radioactive substances and cause toxicity, which is likely to spread back to higher organisms. In addition, if accumulated in seaweed or shellfish in the sea, there is a risk of spreading from the consumer to the human body.
Secondly, the risks to marine products are also concerning. Products collected from radioactive contaminated waters may contain radioactive materials. People who consume these products are likely to be exposed to radioactive contamination, and as a result, they can face health risks.
Thirdly, we are also concerned about the spread abroad. Since the ocean does not cross borders, radioactive materials are likely to cross borders and affect other countries. This can affect the seas around the world as well as neighboring countries, which can lead to international conflicts.
Fourthly, there are concerns about the population that could be exposed to radioactive materials. Radioactivity can have a very dangerous effect on the human body. If radioactive substances are directly exposed to the human body, they may cause various diseases such as cancer and genetic abnormalities. Therefore, the release of radioactive substances can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the population.
Finally, these problems require long-term solutions. Radioactive materials emit radiation for a long period of time, so the problem is likely to persist once it is not resolved. Therefore, the Japanese government needs to work with the international community to find long-term solutions.
In conclusion, releasing radioactive pollutants from the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan into the ocean poses various risks. The international community needs to actively deal with these problems because there are risks in various aspects such as marine ecosystems, products, and the health and safety of the population.