- Japanese researchers have found “very low” amounts of radioactivity in the bodies of Minamisoma residents. This is the first published study concerning a large population from the evacuated region around Fukushima Daiichi. The report will be released Thursday through the Journal of the American Medical Association. “Exposure levels were much lower than those reported in studies even several years after the Chernobyl incident,” said Masaharu Tsubokura of the University of Toyko, who headed the study. Internal exposures for both adults and children were generally less than 1 millisievert, which is the new limit in Japan. There were none found to have received more than one mSv. Using relative risk analysis, this would result in no more than two cancers in the lifetime of the10,000 people tested, compared to the natural number of 3,500 expected cancers from all possible mutagens. However, not all of the people tested had Cesium inside their systems. Of the nearly 1,500 children, only 235 had detectable levels. Of the more than 8,000 adults, about 3,000 were found to have detectable Cesium in them. All the rest, nearly two-thirds of the population, were free of internal Cesium. The study focused entirely on internal cesium exposures since that is the radioactive element of long term concern. David Weinstock of Harvard University calls the measured exposures “approximately zero risk”. On an important related note, Roy Shore, chief of research at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Hiroshima, Japan, said the critical issue is not radiation, “The psychological impact has been very great and has caused a lot of anxiety.” (Washington Post World)
- A new poll of opinion on Japan’s energy future shows mixed results. An NHK World poll asked more than 1,000 respondents to choose between the three options posed by the Tokyo government. 36% favor the “zero option” for nuclear energy by 2030, 39% wants the “middle option” of about 15% nuclear, and 15% chose the “high option” of a 20-25% nuclear. The “high option” percentage rose more than 3 points above the same poll last month. The other two options have remained essentially the same.
- Tepco has taken some extended precautions to prevent future worker’s radiation exposure falsification. One change will be the use protective coveralls that have a see-through chest area, where the Alarm Pockets Dosimeters (APDs) are to be worn. This will allow health physics staff to keep a constant eye on employees to insure the dosimeters are being properly worn. In addition, these visual inspections will be “surprise” to keep workers from only wearing them when inspectors are known to be in their area. Finally, Tepco will compare all APD readings with the other dosimeters worn by workers to see if the APD readings are within 20% (the APD accuracy limit). Tepco will also compare each person’s APD read-out with those of other workers doing similar work in the same radiation field. (Mainichi Shimbun)
- The mental health of Fukushima workers continues to become an increasing issue. Hideki Yabuhara, president of Kyoto-based Wamon Inc. (the company performing psychological assistance) said some of the workers have been unable to reconcile the conflicting feelings of both victim and villain. They are victims of the devastating quake/tsunami of 3/11/11 because many family members were killed. They are also seen as villains by many local residents, which causes them more mental anguish than would otherwise be the case. Yabuhara then makes this stunning speculation, “I do not think it’s inconceivable that some of them may consider taking their own lives” if proper mental support isn’t provided. Yabuhara’s concerns are exacerbated by Tepco’s current economic distress which makes his company do their work gratis. In other words he declines to take any money from the utility for his assistance because “I don’t to want be perceived as being under Tepco’s control.” This also allows him to speak openly about the impact of the Japanese Press, “This is my personal opinion, but I think because of the harsh bashing by the media, Tepco cannot spend a lot of money (on improving mental support and working conditions).” (Japan Times)
- In a related article, depression because of discrimination against Tepco workers extends beyond the F. Daiichi staff. Workers at both F. Daiichi and F. Daini power stations experience unnecessary depression due to local resident discrimination. Earlier studies revealed discrimination at F. Daiichi, but this is the first to uncover similar issues at F. Daini. Ehime University-National Defense Medical College conducted a survey between May and June last year which found that 191 employees, or 12.8 percent, of the 1,495 polled, received discriminatory treatment. The prejudicial specifics included inability to rent living quarters, denial of medical service, and verbal abuse at evacuation centers. It was also found that mental health problems for those discriminated against are double the rate of those workers not receiving prejudicial treatment off the job. (Kyodo News)
- Tepco has been working to dismantle the four tsunami-devastated units at F. Daiichi. Over the last week the company has removed the huge, multi-ton dome that seals the internal reactor containment building of unit #4. The dome was lifted by crane from its refueling deck storage pit and placed on the ground, where it will be cut into small-enough pieces for on-site burial. The steam dryer and moisture separator units from the RPV will be the next to be removed and dismantled. Once this is completed, Tepco can begin installing a structure over the building, similar to unit #1, for the transfer of spent fuel bundles from the upper pool to a more secure, less controversial storage location. (NEI Fukushima Updates)
- A recent study getting considerable news media interest concerns mutagenic effects on Fukushima’s pale grass blue butterflies. The researchers say it could only be due to the radioactive releases from the Fukushima accident. The researchers point out that the effects are “possible” due to laboratory simulations, but they feel they have reached a “firm conclusion” with a relatively high degree of confidence. However, no connection should be made between the butterflies and humans because of the vast organic differences between the two species. Team member Joji Otaki, associate professor at Ryukyu University in Okinawa, says that his team’s results on the Fukushima butterflies should not be directly applied to other species, including humans. Regardless, it is probable that widespread news media coverage of the study will amplify Japanese fears of long-term health effects due to radiation. “Even if there is no impact now, we have to live with fear,” said Sachiko Sato, a mother of two, who temporarily fled from Fukushima. “And concerns will be handed down to my children and grandchildren.” (Japan Today)
This site requires a lot of work. We hope you find our efforts valuable and rewarding. Please consider offering your support. There is no minimum amount. Feel free to donate as you see fit, without restriction. Thank you...
