Fukushima Nuclear Plant Update

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As you are well aware, the Japanese experienced the worst earthquake in their history, followed by a devastating tsunami. These natural disasters have had a serious impact on several Japanese nuclear reactors, principally those at the Fukushima Daiichi site. The Health Physics Society is concerned about radiation exposures associated with these reactor problems and desires to keep our members and the concerned public advised on current events associated with the Japanese nuclear plants.

For information on the potential for radiation from the Japanese Nuclear Plants reaching the United States, see this Health Physics Society Ask the Experts FAQ.

Details of the status of the reactors at Fukushima are available in a document issued by the Japan Industrial Atomic Forum that is provided here. We will be updating this news item periodically to provide current information.

Information Relevant to the Japanese Nuclear Plant Releases and Exposures

The world continues to focus on events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant site. Many people are inquiring about the releases of radioactivity and the potential health effects from radiation that plant workers and the surrounding populations may be experiencing. We have seen reported radiation levels in the vicinity of the plant that are quite significant. The Health Physics Society has identified a short list of authoritative resources on this Web site that you might wish to consult for answers to such questions. Also, please consult our Facebook page, Health Physics Society News Café, for up-to-date news items related to the Japanese accident and other pertinent radiation safety topics.

• Radiation exposure and pregnancy
• Use of potassium iodide
• Radiation terms and units
• Types of radiation
• Radiation benefit and risk
• Radiation effects

Recommended Sources of Useful Information

The Health Physics Society recommends the following sources of useful information. Although we cannot verify the accuracy of all the information that you may find, we believe these sources are generally reliable and trustworthy. As events unfold and the potential radiation exposures become better known, we hope to be able to share additional information with you regarding radiation safety.

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• International Atomic Energy Agency
• World Health Organization
• American Nuclear Society
• International Radiation Protection Association
• National Academy of Sciences
• Nuclear Energy Agency
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Food and Drug Administration

Background Information on Nuclear Power

For background and an overview of nuclear power, see our seven-part series, The Resurgence of Nuclear Power: Impact on the Health Physics Profession reprinted from Health Physics News.

http://hps.org/fukushima/

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The latest solution is to bury the plant under gravel and concrete for the next 180 years.

Japan weighs need to bury nuclear plant