Japan radiation

Since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant exploded, Japanese and international authorities are concerned about the radiation leaks that could lead to poisoning and even the death of people around the power plant. The preoccupation is also with professionals who deal with the power plants, as they can’t go near them for the risk of contamination. Now Japan might need other countries’ help to control the leak.

What happened and what can be done

When the pump that cools water to the reactors and the backup generator stopped working, the gas escaped from the reactors and caused the explosion. That explosion is what caused the release of radiated gas directly into the atmosphere. And, because of the gas in the atmosphere, the International Atomic Energy Agency has established a 19-mile no-fly zone around Fukushima.

The technique that will probably be used to cool the reactors is overflying the radiated area with helicopters and spreading water from above, so there won’t be any human contact. The water has to be spread into the fuel at the Fukushima plant. As soon as the danger was identified, 140,000 people who live within 12 miles of the power plant were evacuated from their homes.

Japanese Governors talk to the community

The Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, said “The leaked radiation level is now rather high and there is high chance for further leakage of radiation from now on.” He also asked those who live between 12 and 19 miles from Fukushima to stay inside their homes. Up to now, the testing for exposure to radiation has positively identified 150 people.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio Edano, said “Please do not go outside. Please stay indoors. Please close windows and make your homes airtight. Don’t turn on ventilators. Please hang your laundry indoors. These are figures that potentially affect health. There is no mistake about that”.