Radiation Contamination Spreads from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Plant

Strategic Insights -

The Japanese government has banned the sale of spinach from areas near the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after tests revealed that it contained radioactive iodine at 27 times the safety limit. The contamination has also spread to tap water in Tokyo and to various food products, sparking cancer fears among the population. Despite the challenges, workers have restored electrical power to one of the reactors and brought two atomic waste storage tanks 'under control'. The situation remains unpredictable, with pressure rising inside reactor three, which uses a potentially more lethal source of radiation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sale of spinach from three regions near Fukushima has been halted due to high levels of radioactive iodine, with leaves containing 27 times the legal safety limit being found in Hitachi.
  • Radioactive milk was found in towns 20 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and canola cooking oil and edible chrysanthemums also tested positive for radiation.
  • Tap water in Tokyo was found to contain traces of radiation, but the government assures that it is safe to drink.
  • 540 Britons living in Japan were given iodine tablets as a precaution, although the Foreign Office advises against taking them until instructed to do so.
  • Local residents within the 12-mile exclusion zone remain anxious and worried, with concerns about the accuracy of safety information.
  • Workers have restored electrical power to one reactor and brought two atomic waste storage tanks under control, marking a small but significant progress in the crisis.
  • The Fukushima Daiichi plant's operator estimates it may take days to connect power to reactors three and four.

Statistics:

  • 8,133 people confirmed dead due to the earthquake and tsunami (Source: Official Japanese government count).
  • 12,272 people unaccounted for due to the disaster.
  • 27 times above safety limits: the concentration of radioactive iodine found in spinach collected from areas near Fukushima Daiichi (Source: The Guardian).
  • Number of Britons given iodine tablets: 540 (Source: Foreign Office).
  • Distance between Hitachi and Fukushima Daiichi plant: 62 miles (Source: The Guardian).
  • Number of people cramped into shelters outside the 12-mile exclusion zone: unknown (Source: The Guardian).

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Japanese government official count
  • Foreign Office