Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster: 2024 Aftermath, Risks, and Insights

Chernobyl, Atomic Tests and Depleted Uranium Warfare Downwinders

            Tracy Turner             This Fukushima article has bits of Doug Rokke, Libby Halevy and Arni Gunderson - all people defamed by Big Nuke.

Infrared of German Dissidents Protesting a Nuclear Freight Train Hauling Nuclear Isotope Toxins.
8 grams of some Isotopes are enough to kill 60.5 million persons. Chart explanation below.

On March 11, 2011, The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station in Japan experienced three meltdowns in reactors 1, 2, and 3 after a tsunami struck in March 2011. The catastrophic event had immediate consequences for the environment and public health and also left a lasting legacy of challenges in nuclear safety and disaster response.

1. Hidden Data: It is estimated that the real-world radiation levels released during the disaster and ongoing drainage into the Pacific Ocean were/are significantly higher than reported. Research suggests that early readings may have been manipulated to downplay the crisis, mirroring how the U.S./Japanese Governments-General Electric/TEPCO downlisted nuclear fallout data during the Cold War.

2. Plutonium in the Environment: Tests revealed plutonium isotopes in the soil as far as 45 kilometers from the plant and on the coasts of Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, California, Oregon and Washington State. This extensive reach of radioactive materials raises concerns about long-term contamination and health risks for local and global populations.

3. Political Fallout: In the aftermath, several politicians in Japan reportedly fled to South America, fearing public backlash and accountability for their roles in nuclear energy policies that prioritized industry over safety. American Politicians “sheltered-in-place” in resorts in South America while Americans inhaled airborne radioactive Iodine.

4. Engineers' Warnings: Before the disaster, a few engineers at TEPCO and other organizations had correctly predicted the potential for catastrophic failures, including multiple meltdowns and tsunami risks. Their warnings went completely unheeded, signifying critical failures in decision-making at higher levels of management.

Critical Timeline of Events

11 March 2011: Earthquake and Tsunami

A magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that swamped Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The tsunami disabled power supplies and cooling systems for three nuclear reactors, leading to hydrogen explosions, nuclear core meltdowns (China Syndromes).

2-15 March 2011: As cooling systems failed, reactor temperatures rose, causing partial meltdowns.

Hydrogen gas explosions occurred at reactors 1, 3, and 4.

Authorities declared a nuclear emergency and ordered the evacuation of residents within a 20 km radius, prompting thousands to flee due to radiation fears.

2011-2012: The radiation leaks sparked international fears, causing increased examination of TEPCO and Japan's nuclear safety policies.

The Japanese government initiated nuclear safety initiatives, but public trust was severely damaged.

2013-2023: Leaks of contaminated water became routine, with TEPCO reporting 1.3 million tons of radioactive water stored in tanks by 2020.

The Japanese government announced plans to discharge treated but still radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean, overruling protests from local fishermen and environmental groups. Radioactive water, to the tune of 170 Tons per day, leaches into the Pacific.

Understanding Radionuclides

Radionuclides are radioactive isotopes that disrupt human health at molecular and genetic levels. Here's a quick overview of some key isotopes, including polonium:

Understanding LD50:

LD50, or "lethal dose for 50%," measures how toxic a substance is. It indicates the amount of a substance that, if given to a group of test subjects, would be enough to kill half of them. For instance, if a chemical has an LD50 of 10 mg/kg, it means that for a person weighing 70 kg (about 154 lbs.), a dose of 700 mg could potentially be lethal to half the individuals. The lower the LD50 number, the more toxic the substance is and a very minimal amount can cause severe harm or death.

These isotopes are both chemical toxins and potent genetic disruptors, posing long-term health risks to affected populations.

The Polonium Threat

Polonium, particularly Polonium-210, poses a grave danger due to its extreme toxicity. Just one gram of polonium-210 has the potential to kill approximately 50 million humans if ingested or inhaled, demonstrating its lethal potency. The half-life of Polonium-210 is only 138 days, meaning it decays rapidly, but the damage it causes can be instantaneous and catastrophic. Decaying isotopes morph, where one substance that has millions or billions of years half-life---the decay turns it into other substances.

The results of depleted uranium warfare, nuclear power plant core meltdowns, and thermonuclear war can create a mixture of radioactive isotopes often described as "isotope alphabet soup."

For instance:

• Polonium-210 (Po-210):
• A highly radioactive isotope that decays into Lead-206 (Pb-206), a stable isotope.
• While present, it poses significant health risks due to its high toxicity and alpha radiation.
• Americium-241:
• A product of nuclear fission that decays into Neptunium-237.
• Neptunium-237 can also be radioactive and persist in the environment, contributing to long-term radiation exposure risks.
• Cesium-137 (Cs-137):
• Produced through nuclear fission, it has a half-life of roughly 30 years.
• It decays into Barium-137m (Ba-137m), which is radioactive and can further decay into stable Barium-137 (Ba-137).
• While decaying, Ba-137m can emit gamma radiation, posing health hazards.
• Strontium-90:
• A product of nuclear fission that decays into Yttrium-90.
• It produces beta radiation and may accumulate in bones, increasing carcinogenic potential.

These radioisotopes can contaminate soil, water, and food. The greater the contamination, the higher the exposure to radiation, ergo cancer risk. Medical experts commonly associate long-term exposure to these radioactive materials with increased incidences of cancer. However, these associations may not always be evident; they be falsely blamed on factors like diet (e.g., red meat consumption) or lifestyle (e.g., alcohol consumption), complicating public health observations and interventions. The nuke industry goes to great lengths to cover their many sins: mining, milling, refining, great risks (use, transport, meltdowns)---nuclear trains going through your neighborhood at 3:30 am. A derailment could take out your whole family.

There is an apologist chant, “that dilution is the solution of all pollution.”

It is hard to know just how much melted fuel rods weigh both in the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters because, in part, the condition of materials in those meltdowns, along with the specifics of each case.

Chernobyl: An estimate of 2-3 tons of nuclear fuel (uranium) best estimated as having melted into the reactor core and nearby areas.

Fukushima: About 1.5 tons of the nuclear fuel in the reactor cores were estimated to have melted and escaped in the Fukushima disaster.

Adding both estimates, the total weight of the melted fuel rods from both disasters is roughly between 3.5 to 4.5 tons. However, these figures are approximate since the conditions during and after the meltdown make it difficult or even impossible to give an accurate estimate.

Read the chart below.

Understanding the Long-Term Implications: The Significance of Half-Lives

Comparative Lethality of Isotopes

One gram of each isotope listed above; 8 grams total, can kill 60.5 million humans. The fissionable melted fuel rods are between 3.5 to 4.5 tons.

Juxtaposition of Responses

In stark contrast to Obama's reassuring "You are safe" speech, the reality was much grimmer: a legacy of toxic materials that will persist for billions of years from disasters like Chornobyl and Fukushima. The plight of those who braved the radiation to address the crisis—many of whom lost their lives—stands in harsh contradiction to the assurances of safety. The absurdity of humanity's attempts to control an uncontrollable disaster is encapsulated in images of frozen soil and melted robots. Obama’s infamous JFK-Nuke Speech, Olie-Olie-oxen-free, there is absolutely no nuclear debris, just dead engineers who died two weeks after “making a video of the melted core.” No danger, I’m your President, I’m not lying.

Current Challenges

Water Contamination

Management of contaminated water remains one of the most pressing issues facing the Fukushima plant:

• Storage Capacity: The facility has reached its storage capacity, with TEPCO estimating water accumulation at approximately 170 tons per day. This growing volume exacerbates fears of leaks and contamination.

• Ocean Release Controversy: The proposed release of treated water into the ocean has faced fierce opposition from local fishermen and environmental groups. Concerns about the impacts on marine ecosystems and food safety have sparked protests and demands for alternatives.

Health Concerns

Long-term health impacts of radiation exposure on local populations are still under investigation:

• Radiation Exposure Studies: While immediate exposure levels were monitored, long-term effects—including mental health issues and cancer risk—remain a concern for researchers and “affected communities” we are all “affected communities.”

• Public Trust Issues: A lack of transparency from TEPCO and the governments of Russia, Japan and the United States has fomented public distrust of rigged safety assessments and apologist health monitoring.

Remediation Efforts

Efforts to manage radioactive water have included:

• Ice Wall Construction: TEPCO constructed an underground ice wall to limit groundwater contamination. It is leaking radioactive isotopes into the Pacific Ocean and Gulf Current.

• Advanced Filtration Technologies: Ongoing research aims to develop filtration technologies capable of removing radioactive isotopes from water. Implementation has been slow, apologists cite “pending tech” to cover how dismal it actually is.

The Prognosis for the Future

• Environmental Impact: The planned water release could have lasting effects on marine ecosystems, potentially impacting fisheries and local economies for decades. Scientific assessments will be crucial to understanding the full ramifications. The isotopes end up in rain in North America.

• Erosion of Public Trust: The disaster has resulted in significant public distrust in governmental and corporate institutions, complicating future nuclear policy and community engagement.

• Financial Burden: The estimated cost of decommissioning Fukushima could reach $270 billion, straining Japan's economy for years and raising questions about the sustainability of nuclear energy as an economic strategy. Any other method of boiling water is safer.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster serves as a stark reminder of the profound risks associated with nuclear energy. As Japan faces the daunting task of remediation and recovery, the disaster's long-term impacts—particularly concerning the radioactive cores—pose significant challenges for generations to come.

Polonium, with its lethal potential, symbolizes the inherent dangers of nuclear technology. There is no safe way to play with polonium, merely to boil water. Solar mirrors can achieve the same end without the toxic ramifications. Nuclear energy, as it has shown time and again, stands as the foolhardiest of human endeavors.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster serves as a stark reminder of the profound risks associated with nuclear energy. As Japan (and the World) faces the daunting task of remediation and recovery, the long-term impacts of the disaster—particularly concerning the radioactive cores—pose significant challenges for generations to come. Building new plants, and not decommissioning old plants, is insanity, sheer human insanity. Future humans will no longer read, write and speak today’s languages but will be subject to the chemical, molecular and radioactive lethality of Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi.

References

1. Chikamoto, Y., Yamaguchi, Y., & Matsuura, S. (2014). Public perception and response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Environmental Science & Policy, 42, 83-90.

2. Hasegawa, K. (2021). The implications of Fukushima water release on local fisheries and marine ecosystems. Marine Policy, 132, 104684.

3. IAEA. (2015). The Fukushima Daiichi Accident. International Atomic Energy Agency.

4. Kawasaki, S., Matsumoto, T., & Shibata, Y. (2020). Evaluation of the frozen soil wall at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Geotechnical Testing Journal, 43(1), 115-130.

5. Nikkei Asia. (2022). The future of Fukushima: Challenges and developments in decommissioning efforts.

6. Takahashi, Y., et al. (2019). Current Status and Challenges in the Decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 56(10), 913-925.

7. Yoshida, K., et al. (2019). Health Effects of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: A Review. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 24(1).

The Nuclear Testing and Depleted Uranium Legacy: Fallout for Downwind Communities

Tracy Turner

It has been demonstrated throughout history that nuclear weapons and depleted uranium (DU) munitions have left a legacy of environmental and health consequences that decidedly impacts the health of populations living next to test sites and conflict zones. This article explores implications resulting from nuclear testing on United States soil, specifically that occurring within the Nevada Test Site, and the greater influence that DU has had on downwind communities around the world.

Nuclear Testing in the United States: A Historical Perspective

Between 1945 and 1992, the United States ran over 1,000 nuclear tests, many of them at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This test site, located about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, would become the epicenter of U.S. nuclear development. The fallout from these tests released enormous amounts of radioactive isotopes into the environment, contaminating large areas.

1. Fallout Zones and Environmental Impact

The nuclear fallout from tests conducted at NTS did not stay within the facility's vicinity. Various particles, due to weather conditions, dispersed across extensive areas; areas in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico were significantly influenced. Notably:

• St. George and Hurricane, Utah: These communities share an association with elevated incidence rates of cancers associated with fallout exposure. A study from the Utah Department of Health noted that the incidence of thyroid cancer and leukemia within these areas was much higher compared to the rates within the compared populations.
• Fallout Composition: The fallout consisted of a set of isotopes, including cesium-137, strontium-90, iodine-131, and plutonium-239. Each of these isotopes has associated health consequences, contributing to various cancers.

2. Cancers and Cancer Clusters

Two significant cancer clusters among downwind populations due to research include the following:

• Thyroid Cancer: Residents exposed to iodine-131 fallout exhibit higher thyroid cancer incidence rates. Gonzalez et al. (2019) point out that this is more common in children as well.
• Leukemia: Studies in areas such as St. George have shown rises in the incidence of leukemia, associated with radiation exposure during both the actual nuclear tests and afterward (Lloyd et al., 2020).
• Lung Cancer: Plutonium and other radionuclide exposures have been associated with increased lung cancer incidence; indeed, the highest rates have been observed among the residential population near testing areas.

Depleted Uranium: An Ongoing Issue

Military forces, especially the U.S. and its allies, have used depleted uranium—a dense metal that is used in armor-piercing munitions. The health effects of DU exposure are of growing concern, particularly for combat zones and their environs.

DU in Combat

DU munitions saw extensive use for the first time during the Gulf War (1991) and later during the Iraq War (2003). These benefits, including excellent penetration of heavy armor, have made DU widespread; however, these advantages come with considerable risks:

• Health Concerns: Soldiers exposed to DU dust reported several health concerns, ranging from respiratory issues to cancers. Civilians who lived near battlefields in Iraq saw birth defects and increased incidence of cancer among the civilian population.
• Environmental Impact: Military action contaminated water and soil with DU, posing long-term risks for the people living in that region.

Facts Lesser Hyped About Nuclear Testing and DU

• Missouri Tests: While much attention is given to the Nevada Test Site, lesser-known tests were conducted in Missouri. The "Daisy" series of tests in 1964 involved underground detonations and affected nearby communities with radioactive contamination.
• Pit Sites: Plants that manufactured plutonium, such as those in Hanford, Washington and Los Alamos, New Mexico, have created significant amounts of radioactive waste. The possibility of site contamination continues to create health concerns for nearby residents.
• Infinity Rooms: Many nuclear test sites are equipped with "infinity rooms," meaning humans are forbidden to enter them "for infinity" because they are so grossly contaminated.

Health Effects of Fallout and DU

The DU exposure and the radioactive fallout have incredibly deep-seated health impacts that are largely reported minimally. This leads to significant long-term effects on downwind communities regarding public health and safety.

1. Radioactive Fallout Health Effects

• Increased Cancer Risk: As epidemiological studies continue showing, populations exposed to nuclear fallout have higher rates of thyroid, lung, and breast cancers, among others (Hoffman et al., 2018).
• Genetic Effects: Ionizing radiation causes changes in genes, impacting future generations. This is still under research to increase knowledge about such effects.

2. Health Effects of Depleted Uranium

• Respiratory Problems: Exposure to DU through inhalation causes diseases related to the respiratory system, with studies pointing to DU exposure and diseases like COPD (Peters et al., 2022).
• Neurological Decline: Veterans exposed to DU report cognitive problems. The neurotoxic effects of heavy metal exposure may be a significant factor (Khan et al., 2021).

Radioactive Fallout Health Effects

Depleted uranium and nuclear testing have left a lasting echo in the lives of communities living downwind. Transparency and accountability are crucial as we continue to learn about the health consequences of radioactive fallout and DU exposure. Recognition of historical injustices among these populations is vital in advocating for their rights and ensuring such tragedies do not recur.

The Lasting Impact of Isotopes: Beyond Iodine-131

While iodine-131, a relatively short-lived isotope, has long ago decayed after nuclear testing, hundreds of other radioactive isotopes produced in the over 1,000 tests at the Nevada Test Site and elsewhere remain significant health concerns. Many of these isotopes have half-lives long enough to persist in the environment and emit gamma, beta, and alpha radiation, disrupting biological processes at the genetic and molecular levels.

Radioactive Isotopes and Their Health Effects

The perpetual presence of these isotopes in soil, water, and air continues to render large parts of North America contaminated. The radiation they emit can disrupt cellular operations, inducing a range of health ailments, including cancers and genetic effects.

1. Types of Radiation

• Alpha Radiation: Dangerous when swallowed or breathed in. They have very low penetrating power but are extremely damaging with direct contact.
• Beta Radiation: High-energy electrons or positrons that can pass through skin and cause damage at the cellular level.
• Gamma Radiation: High-energy electromagnetic waves that penetrate deeply into tissues, ionizing and causing significant damage to DNA.

Radiochemistry of Radioactive Isotopes

Some isotopes produced from nuclear testing decay into daughter products, all with their own radioactivities and health consequences. Understanding these isotopes is essential to predicting long-term human health and environmental exposure risks.

Radioactive Isotopes, Their Health Effects, and Half-Lives

Understanding the Risks from the Long-Lived Isotopes

The presence of long-lived isotopes in the environment poses substantial threats to health for several reasons:

• Cesium-137: A by-product of nuclear fission, it is water-soluble and could contaminate drinking supplies. With a 30-year half-life, it can persist in the environment for thousands of years.
• Strontium-90: Similar to calcium, it could build up in bones, creating potential leukemia and bone cancers. Due to its half-life, it contributes to health effects alongside cesium-137.
• Plutonium-239: With a half-life of over 24,000 years, it contaminates the environment for long periods and emits alpha particles, which are destructive to lung tissues upon inhalation.
• Americium-241 and Uranium-238: Two additional isotopes contributing to environmental contamination and cancer risk due to their long half-lives and emitted radiation types.

The legacy of nuclear testing lives on long past the immediate effects in the form of persistent isotopes, impacting health across generations. While iodine-131 has decayed, the gamma, beta, and alpha radiation from long-lived isotopes serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks of nuclear fallout. To protect present and future populations from past actions, understanding the chemistry of these isotopes and their health implications is essential.

References

1. Gonzalez, A., et al. (2019). Long-term effects of radioactive iodine exposure on thyroid cancer incidence among downwinders. Journal of Medical Genetics, 56(5), 350-358.

2. Hoffman, A. B., et al. (2018). Cancer risk associated with fallout from nuclear tests in the U.S. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(4), 047003.

3. Khan, S., et al. (2021). Neurotoxic effects of depleted uranium on military personnel: A review. Journal of Occupational Health, 63(1), e12238.

4. Lloyd, J. R., et al. (2020). Leukemia clusters in downwind communities of nuclear test sites. Cancer Epidemiology, 66, 101746.

5. Peters, H., et al. (2022). Health risks associated with depleted uranium exposure in military operations. Military Medicine, 187(5), 121-130.

6. Shaw, G., et al. (2018). Health impacts of depleted uranium exposure in Kosovo. Journal of Environmental Health, 80(2), 34-40.

7. Smith, J., et al. (2020). Depleted uranium exposure and its health effects on civilians and military personnel. American Journal of Epidemiology, 189(4), 357-366.

8. U.S. Department of Energy. (2004). The history of nuclear testing in Missouri. Retrieved from [link].

9. Utah Department of Health. (2016). Cancer incidence in Utah: A report on the downwinders. Retrieved from [link].

10. Zaridze, D., et al. (2019). Cancer risk among populations exposed to radiation from nuclear tests in Kazakhstan. International Journal of Cancer, 145(3), 644-652.