As more explosions damage nuclear power plants, radiation levels are rising and residents are preparing for the worst. Despite reassurances that residents in Tokyo are safe and that recorded radiation levels of ten times higher than normal do not pose an immediate threat to humans, many are fleeing in fear and desperation. The most recent explosions at a nuclear power facility approximately 150 miles north of Tokyo have resulted in the largest known release of radiation since the earthquake and tsunami struck on Friday.
At this point, officials are estimating that the scale of the nuclear meltdowns in Japan have eclipsed anything on record outside of the Chernobyl disaster. And while many are quick to point out that the Chernobyl facility was not built with an adequate containment unit, the continued explosions at the Japanese facilities are increasing fears that larger sections of the country will be exposed to high levels of radiation.
The Japanese media and government officials are getting frustrated with the information being disseminated about the severity of the meltdown and exactly what type of risks exist for people living in the affected areas. It has been reported that radiation levels in Tokyo are 10 times higher than normal, but information is harder to get for the areas that are much closer to the reactors.
Weather reports suggest that the prevailing winds are pushing the radiation out to the Pacific Ocean, but it's very difficult to measure exactly how fast or how thoroughly the radiation is being dissipated in the atmosphere.
Japan Crisis Sparks Nuclear Waste Questions In U.S. : NPR
Finding a permanent storage site for it is more of a political challenge than a financial one. The Obama administration scuttled a plan to ...
At this point, officials are estimating that the scale of the nuclear meltdowns in Japan have eclipsed anything on record outside of the Chernobyl disaster. And while many are quick to point out that the Chernobyl facility was not built with an adequate containment unit, the continued explosions at the Japanese facilities are increasing fears that larger sections of the country will be exposed to high levels of radiation.
The Japanese media and government officials are getting frustrated with the information being disseminated about the severity of the meltdown and exactly what type of risks exist for people living in the affected areas. It has been reported that radiation levels in Tokyo are 10 times higher than normal, but information is harder to get for the areas that are much closer to the reactors.
Weather reports suggest that the prevailing winds are pushing the radiation out to the Pacific Ocean, but it's very difficult to measure exactly how fast or how thoroughly the radiation is being dissipated in the atmosphere.
Japan Crisis Sparks Nuclear Waste Questions In U.S. : NPR
Finding a permanent storage site for it is more of a political challenge than a financial one. The Obama administration scuttled a plan to ...
