Information About Japan’s Nuclear Crisis
Media coverage of the earthquake and the tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 is extensive. Japan is facing many challenges dealing with the consequences of these catastrophic events. One of the important issues is the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which has sustained serious damage from the earthquake and the tsunami.
The story continues to develop and is being closely monitored by media worldwide. Rather than restating the same information, we would like to help you better understand the scientific fundamentals behind the story, and explain some of the terminology and units of measurement used in the coverage.
Many sources are doing a great job providing up-to-date information on the developments at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. In addition to the media that you may have already consulted, we would like to suggest several information sources that we have found particularly helpful.
- For general questions about what radiation is, what the health effects of exposure are, etc., visit :
- Radiation Safety Institute’sFAQ
- The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ionizing radiation FAQ
- To better understand what happened where, and when, visit:
- The Washington Post graphics, “Japan’s nuclear emergency
- The CBC’s interactive “Disaster in Japan”
- For reliable, up-to-date information about the state of the reactors and dose-rate measurements, visit:
- The International Atomic Energy Agency Update on Japan Earthquake
- To find answers to your health and safety concerns, visit:
- Public Safety Canada’s Japan Earthquake Information for Canadians
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s “Japan Earthquake: Information for Canadians Regarding Imported Foods”
- Public Health Agency of Canada “Nuclear Emergency in Japan: Travel Notice”
- World Health Organization FAQs: Japan nuclear concerns
- For information on safety of nuclear power plants in Canada, visit:
- The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Questions and Answers
Cross Canada Survey of Radon Levels in Homes – Final Report
Health Canada has published its final report on a two year cross-Canada survey of radon levels in homes. The results indicate that 6.9% of Canadians are living in homes with radon levels above the national guideline. Though some provinces have higher incidences of high radon levels, every province has a significant number of homes with radon concentrations above the guideline.
The Fukushima Nuclear Accident and Its Aftermath
One year on from the Fukushima nuclear accident, the IAEA reports on how it happened, what were its effects, and how similar future accidents might be avoided.
FDA Investigating Illegal Online Sales
The Yomiuri Shimbun has announced in an article the latest radiation readings from areas in the no-entry zone and the expanded evacuation zone around the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
IAEA Mission to Assess Nuclear Safety in Japan
A January 17, 2012 report on the IAEA Web site states that an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Complementary Safety Assessment Review Mission will conduct a visit to Japan next week to assist the nation’s development of a comprehensive assessment of the safety of existing nuclear power plants.
Arranged at the request of the Japanese government, the 10-member team will consist of IAEA nuclear experts and international specialists who will hold meetings with Japanese officials in Tokyo and conduct a site visit to the Ohi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture.
Fukushima Nuclear Site Finally Stabilized
A December 16, 2011 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has welcomed the announcement by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the “cold shutdown condition” of the Fukushima nuclear site. According to Prime Minister Noda, the site is in a “stable state”, and the release of radioactive materials is “under control”.
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