nuclear-news

Japan’s new nuclear watchdog – an unknown quantity

 “Concrete steps will be taken only after actual health problems have come to light, and if such damage could be recognized as a pollution-caused disease like Minamata disease, the sources said.”

This item is a bit of  a worry.  Nothing in here to say that those made ill from radiation will get any help.  And the suggestion is that it will be hard for them to prove it – so don’t expect any help? – Christina Macpherson 

N-watchdog gets health role / New agency to handle residents’ well-being, not just reactors, The Yomiuri Shimbun, 25 Nov 11 A new nuclear safety agency to be established in April will deal with health problems caused by radioactive materials released from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, it has been learned.

The new watchdog was expected to focus on regulating nuclear reactors and responding to nuclear emergencies. However, the government apparently plans to strengthen the agency’s responsibilities by expanding its portfolio.

The new agency–which will be an extraministrial bureau of the Environment Ministry–plans to tap the ministry’s expertise in handling the Minamata mercury poisoning disease and other environmental disputes, government sources said.

The agency will collect data and conduct long-term research because it remains unknown what health risks radioactive materials leaked by the nuclear plant have caused or will cause to local residents. The entity also will handle any lawsuits filed against the government, the sources said…..

The new agency, which will have about 500 employees, is expected to be responsible for:

— Monitoring residents’ radiation exposure levels over an extended period.

— Epidemiological studies that will be used to create a database.

— Research on the effect of radiation on humans.

— Establishing environmental standards for radiation protection……

No specific health damage arising from radiation leaks at the Fukushima nuclear plant has been confirmed. It remains unknown whether there will be such cases and, if there are, how serious they will be. Concrete steps will be taken only after actual health problems have come to light, and if such damage could be recognized as a pollution-caused disease like Minamata disease, the sources said.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111124005522.htm

November 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, Japan