nuclear-news

Japanese towns Okuma, Futaba to disappear because of nuclear radiation

many spots in the two towns where annual levels of exposure to radiation would be 100 millisieverts or higher. This is at least five times higher than the level deemed safe for human habitation.

2 towns at risk of disappearing / Okuma, Futaba face uncertain future due to nearby crippled N-plant Yasushi Kaneko / Daily Yomiuri 9 Jan 12, How will the government help the estimated 25,000 people who lived in areas where residency likely will be prohibited for an extended period due to the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant?

In particular, Okuma and Futaba towns in Fukushima Prefecture will face extreme hardship because most of their residential areas fall in those areas. The crippled nuclear plant is located in the two towns.

It will be extremely difficult for the municipal governments to
restore the towns to their conditions before the disaster. The central
government will need to consider providing assistance to the evacuees
so they can lead self-reliant lives.

The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry
detected many spots in the two towns where annual levels of exposure
to radiation would be 100 millisieverts or higher. This is at least
five times higher than the level deemed safe for human habitation.

The ministry measured radiation levels one meter above the ground and
monitored the radioactive contamination of soil. The ministry has
regularly measured radiation levels using vehicles and planes in
affected prefectures–mainly Fukushima Prefecture but also including
Tokyo–with cooperation from local governments.

Air radiation levels were measured at about 3,000 spots in the
no-entry zone around the nuclear plant and planned evacuation areas as
of Dec. 11. Of them, annual radiation levels of 50 millisieverts or
higher were estimated at about 700 spots. These sites likely will be
designated as zones where residency is prohibited for an extended
period.

According to Japan Atomic Energy Agency calculations, it would take
more than 50 years for radiation levels at the sites to naturally fall
below the safe limit of 20 millisieverts.

Environment Minister Goshi Hosono has said it will be “difficult to
lower air radiation levels with conventional decontamination methods”
in areas where annual levels are 50 millisieverts or higher. Residing
in these areas will be forbidden for an extended period…..
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120108003576.htm

January 10, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, Japan