New Leak Detected at Fukushima Nuclear Plant

Published March 22, 2015

More bad news from the site of the Fukushima disaster — a leak directly into the seawater was detected at the plant. The new leak, which caused radiation contamination to escalate up to 70 times greater than usual, has been swept under the rug by the company that operates the plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO). This company was the prime voice who claimed that contamination levels were falling. ^[1]

Fukushima's History of Incidents

This story is just one more in the endless nightmare of radioactive water pollution caused by the meltdown. In March 2011 after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that Japan suffered, the plant started to release contaminants into the surrounding water.

Damaging Health Effects Have Resulted

As of August 2013, medical examiners noticed an increased risk of thyroid cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer across multiple age groups and genders in areas near the affected water and the plant. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster has been likened to the 1986 Chernobyl Incident in the fallout of consequences from the radioactive material and the effects it had on nearby citizens. ^[2]

Can Nuclear Power Disasters Be Prevented?

This newest incident sparks several questions in regards to preventing further nuclear power plant incidents. Are companies doing enough to research better ways to not only handle incidents when they occur, but also to prevent new incidents from happening? The International Atomic Energy Agency has urged Japan to explore other ways to discharge of the power plant waste water in the future.

How many people will continue to be affected by this incident in the years to come?

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