Title: Fukushima Nuclear Plant to Release Treated Radioactive Water Over 30 Years, Experts Reassure Public Safety
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant is set to release over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water into the ocean over the course of 30 years, a move that has drawn criticism from various Pacific nations. However, nuclear physicists and experts have emphasized that there is no cause for concern regarding the safety of this release.
The initial discharge, starting Thursday, will be smaller in portions and subject to rigorous checks. Approximately 7,800 cubic metres of water will be released over a period of 17 days. The water, as confirmed by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), will contain only about 190 becquerels of tritium per litre, well below the World Health Organization’s drinking water limit of 10,000 becquerels per litre. Tritium is a form of water that exhibits low radioactivity.
Japanese authorities have asserted that the planned water release is safe, a position supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog, which approved the plan in July. The IAEA concluded that the release meets international standards and would have a negligible impact on both people and the environment.
Prominent nuclear physicist David Krofcheck from the University of Auckland has also voiced his confidence in the safety of the released water. Krofcheck explained that 25 percent of the water has been filtered to remove cancer-causing nuclei, leaving behind primarily tritium. This remaining water, once diluted to seawater concentrations, poses no significant risks. In fact, Krofcheck expressed his willingness to swim in the water near the Fukushima power plant.
Addressing concerns about the treated water reaching Aotearoa (New Zealand), Krofcheck highlighted the limited possibility of ocean currents crossing the equator. Even if the water were to reach New Zealand, it would be highly diluted, presenting no problem whatsoever.
While Japan and experts maintain the safety of the planned water release, some countries have expressed their reservations. Hong Kong and Macau, both regions under Chinese rule, announced a ban on Japanese seafood from areas including Tokyo and Fukushima. China, too, has expressed deep concern over the decision and lodged a formal complaint, stating that it will take necessary measures to protect the marine environment, food safety, and public health. In South Korea, protests have erupted against the release, leading local governments to announce increased radiation testing on seafood to reassure consumers.
In conclusion, experts in nuclear physics have reassured the public about the safety of Japan’s planned release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. While concerns have been expressed by certain nations, the consensus among scientists remains that the impact on both people and the environment will be minimal. As the release commences, extensive checks and dilution processes will ensure that the water poses no significant risks to marine life or human health.
