Fukushima Remains A Serious Concern

The Fukushima disaster remains a serious concern. In March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima I nuclear power plant. More than two years later, leaking radiation remains a serious concern.

Following the earthquake, three active nuclear reactors shut down. Emergency generators were activated to keep the reactors cool. However, as flood waters entered the buildings, the generators failed.

The excessive heat led to numerous explosions. The explosions left cracks is the reactors, which are now leaking radioactive fluid.

As reported by National Geographic,The fluid is now leaking into the Pacific Ocean. The amounts have been debated. However, many experts agree that the situation is out of control.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, who owns the Fukushima plant, confirmed that radiation has been leaking into the ocean. However, they contend that the radiation is contained is specific areas. They deny that the leaks are out of control.

Government officials in Japan have called the leaks “an urgent issue.” They estimate that over 70,000 gallons of radioactive material leak into the ocean every day.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Japan’s hot summer has caused further issues. TEPCO installed a water misting system to keep plant workers cool. Unfortunately, the water used in the system may have contained radiation.

On Monday, an alarm sounded in the plant’s command center. The radiation monitor indicated a spike in contamination.

Traces of contamination were found on ten workers. Officials assumed the misting system was to blame. However, they contend that water used in the system tested negative for radiation.

Officials are still unsure of the contamination’s source. Thankfully, none of the workers have reported side-effects or illness.

Fukushima is considered the second worst nuclear disaster in history. As the repairs continue, leaking remains a serious concern.

[Image via Flickr]