8 Must-Know Facts About Fukushima Radiation

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Posted: 14 Feb 2014 08:54 AM PST

It's been nearly three years since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 but the after-effects continue. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 20,000 men, women and children, devastated areas of northeast Japan, and brought untold horror and misery to many survivors. The core meltdown and release of radioactive material at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant exacerbated the already apocalyptic situation to a major Level 7 Nuclear disaster which even led Japan's Prime Minister to fear for the existence of Japan! ^[1] The entire time, authorities have downplayed the impact the radiation had on the environmental despite indications that we’re experiencing a catastrophic event of epic proportions. The events at Fukushima will affect every single one of us and the next 8 facts will provide you with the information necessary to understand and protect yourself.

1. The Nightmare is Going Strong

The radioactive nightmare at Fukushima isn’t over, it’s still going. The initial release of radioactive material went strong for nearly two weeks and radioactive isotopes of iodine, cesium, xenon, krypton, and tellurium spread throughout the atmosphere, soil, and water. ^[2] TEPCO, the Japanese power company responsible for the Fukushima reactor, finally acknowledged in July 2013 that 300 tons of contaminated water had leaked into the ocean. As recently as December 2013, radioactive material was still leaking from Fukushima! Japanese news outlets indicate radioactive cesium has even been detected in deep groundwater near a reactor. ^[3] Unfortunately, much of the problem has been inflated because of foolishness. Japan’s Asahi news outlet reported that TEPCO cut costs and used nets made of duct-tape and wire to seal containers containing radioactive water. ^[4] With such incompetency, it’s certain that the continued release of radioactive material — and higher levels of environmental radiation — will be the new normal.

2. Radiation Has Spread Across the Globe

This year, 2014, a radioactive plume is expected to reach the Pacific coast of the United States. The World Health Organization claims that the radioactive material is too diluted to be dangerous despite the fact that radioactive material will flow for years to come; peaking in 2016. ^[5] Hey, great, the US Pacific coast will bath in radioactive material for the next 3+ years! This isn’t the only area affected. During the meltdown, radiation was launched into the atmosphere and settled as far away as Slovenia, France, the Canary Islands, and even in the Arctic. ^[6] ^[7] ^[8] ^[9] ^[10] ^[11]

3. Radiation Has Contaminated US Food Supplies

Air, water and milk samples collected across the United States after the Fukushima disaster all showed high levels of radioactive iodine, cesium, and tellurium. ^[12] Folks, when this stuff hits the globe it spreads like glitter thrown into a fan. There is no safe haven!

4. Water is Affected and Boiling Doesn’t Help

It was once thought that boiling was an effective means for reducing radiation levels in water; this has been found to be false. Tap water with high concentrations of Iodine-131 was found in areas surrounding the Fukushima Power Plant and boiling it did not remove radioactive iodine. In fact, boiling the water resulted in a concentration of the radioactivity due to some of the water boiling off. ^[13]

5. Apocalypse Survival Tip: Boiling Vegetables Might Reduce Radioactive Contamination

Soil contamination remains a problem in Japan due to the “sprinkling” of radioactive fallout. ^[14] Recognizing the harm this could cause for food supplies, produce especially, Japanese researchers analyzed and discovered that radioactive material sticks easily to the exterior of vegetables. Leafy vegetables do provide “some” level of relief though as most radioactive material is limited to exterior leaves. Removing them and boiling the inner leaves for 20 minutes has been found to reduce contamination up to 70%. ^[15] Something to remember when the zombies hit.

6. Pacific Marine Life is Severely Affected

Quickly following the disaster, radioactive isotopes were discovered in marine life including migratory species such as Pacific bluefin tuna. ^[16] ^[17] In January 2014, it was reported that fishermen had caught fish that had radiation levels 124 times established standards. ^[18] Even worse, the ongoing release of contaminated water from the Fukushima Power Plant has caused authorities to warn that fish within 100 miles of the coast likely contain elevated levels of radioactive material.

7. Algae Might Help Solve the Problem

Perhaps the most difficult component to a nuclear event is cleaning up the mess. Now, a newly discovered strain of algae may help decontamination efforts. Parachlorella binos (also known as “Binos”) has demonstrated much potential as a means to neutralize radioactive nucleotides. ^[19] Compared to other methods of “clean up” which involve chemicals that are almost as hazardous as the radioactive material itself, using algae is a natural strategy for environmental cleanup.

8. Radioactive Iodine Presents the Worst Risk

Immediately following the disaster, Japanese authorities evacuated the area within a 12 mile radius of the power plant due to the outpouring of radioactive material. ^[20] While a toxic cornucopia of compounds were released, the majority of the concern revolved around exposure to iodine-131 which can cause severe skin damage, thyroid damage, cancer and death. ^[21] The demand for protective iodine supplements has skyrocketed as a result.

Protect Yourself

When the thyroid is loaded with beneficial iodine, it is less apt to absorb harmful, radioactive iodine-131. In my opinion, every home should have a supply of supplemental iodine and a healthy diet of foods that contain iodine. And, although radioactive material has been found all over the globe, some areas are worse than others. Be mindful of where you’re traveling (or living) and most importantly, be mindful of where your food comes from!

What measures have you taken? Please leave a comment below and share your tips with us!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM