Japan's Meltdown (Literally)

Nuclear energy has been a source of much debate around the world. Since the 1950s, nuclear energy has been used as a clean, affordable energy source. A small amount of uranium may provide a large amount of energy, which is an alternative to fossil fuels (Hibbes, Acton 2012). However, there are drawbacks in using nuclear energy, such as radioactive waste storage, the threat of nuclear weapons, potential health hazards such as cancer, and radioactive disasters. The most notable radioactive incidents include the Chernobyl and the Three-Mile Island accidents, and just recently, the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster of March 2011.

On March 11, 2011, the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent fifteen-meter high tsunami “cut the power to vital cooling systems for three [nuclear] reactors” (Hume, 2013). This caused the nuclear reactors to overheat, resulting in a melt-down and explosions that released high-radioactive content, in which the International Nuclear Events Scale rated at 7 in terms of danger and world-wide significance (Hibbes, Acton 2012).  Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has been approaching the situation by pumping recycled water into the plant, in an attempt to cool the reactors and prevent the release of radioactive waste. However, despite these efforts, contaminated water leaked from three of the reactor units. There were no recorded deaths from exposure to radiation, but over 100,000 inhabitants had to be evacuated for safety precautions (Hibbes, Acton 2012).

So how does the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster affect us? Just recently, TEPCO has requested government assistance in dealing with the radioactive wastes, “the government has now stepped in and pledged $470 million to try to tackle the leaks” (McCurry, 2013). This suggests that previous methods and attempts have not stopped radioactive wastes from reaching a high level. Radiation levels have been found recently “18x higher than previously believed” (McCurry, 2013). Also, TEPCO has admitted that “radiation near the bottom of the tank measured 1,800 millisieverts an hour—high enough to kill an exposed person in four hours” (McCurry, 2013). In light of these developments, other international governments are also reexamining their nuclear power programs as well as their response programs.

1."International Nuclear Events Scale (INES)." Nuclear Safety and Security. IAEA, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 6 Sept. 2013.    http://www-ns.iaea.org/tech-areas/emergency/ines.asp.

2.Acton , J.M, and M Hibbs . "Fukushima Accident 2011." World Nuclear Association. Carnegie Paper, n.d. Web. 6 Sept. 2013. http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Fukushima-Accident-2011/#.UikZFmTwIhw.

3. Hume, Tim. "Japan's Fukushima crisis: How did we get to this point? - CNN.com."CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. CNN, 4 Sept. 2013. Web. 6 Sept. 2013. http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/04/world/asia/japan-fukushima-nuclear-crisis-explainer/index.html.

4. McCurry, Justin. " Fukushima radiation leaks reach deadly new high | Environment | theguardian.com ." Latest news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | theguardian.com | The Guardian . The Guardian , 4 Sept. 2013. Web. 6 Sept. 2013. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/04/fukushima-radiation-deadly-new-high.