Post date: Mar 10, 2012 9:20:2 AM
Japan-Radiation Aftermath -- Strange symptoms, varying radiation readings, causing anxiety in Fukushima, NE Japan
China Central Television - Strange variations in readings and reports of radiation in Fukushima, together with abnormal symptoms and health problems, have made residents worry about the possibility of lingering radioactive danger a year after a massive earthquake ravaged the region.
It disturbed Horiuchi Miko when Kana, Kazuaki, and Mana, her three children, frequently reported having sore throats, nosebleeds, and diarrhea at school in Fukushima. Those symptoms, however, just disappeared when they were away from the city on trips.
When the kids return home in Fukushima, so do their symptoms, Miko explained. She worries that the symptoms have something to do with nuclear radiation.
She is not alone in having this concern. Now almost every household in and around Fukushima owns at least one radiation measuring instrument.
A devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011, killing nearly 20,000 people in the country's northeast and setting off multiple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
In an attempt to alleviate public anxiety, the Japanese government has now issued a new map of Fukushima highlighting the safety zone that inhabits a radius of 20 kilometers around the nuclear plant.
"In terms of release of radioactive materials, this is in the case of cesium, there is dramatic decline. So, in terms of the additional release of radioactive materials from the nuclear power plants, we're not concerned," stated Noriyuki Shikata, a Japanese government spokesperson, just ahead of the one year anniversary of the nuclear meltdown.
Independent researchers, however, tell a different story.
Dr. Kimura, an associate professor with Dokkyo University School of Medicine found that a suburban area 30 kilometers away from Fukushima actually reported radiation values as high as 100 mSv per year, five times the government approved "safe amount". Aizu, a city 120 kilometers away, also reported abnormally high amounts of exposure.
"It will take us several decades to finish the follow-up work in the reactor. The fuel rod has not been taken out yet and is still giving off radiation," a Daiichi staff member said on terms of anonymity.
He said that micro-scale reactions would go on indefinitely despite the closing down of the nuclear reactor.
Still, some villagers are thinking about coming back. But they have to go through a "No Entry" checkpoint every day. Anxiety and fears abound.
"My parents and all my friends all live in Fukushima, but I hate the radiation here," said a mother from Fukushima. "I'm eager to leave here forever, yet that would make me feel that I deserted them."
Horiuchi Miko stayed, saying she just doesn't know who to believe. She has chosen to follow her doctor's instructions and ensure the food on the dinner table is safe for her children.
The school that her three children attend has limited the students' "open-air time" for fear of them being harmed by potentially radiation lingering in the environment. To deal with the new policy, a children's playhouse has been built in the suburbs of Fukushima where experts say radiation is low.
This is the third visit to the playhouse for Miko's children in more than 300 days.
Kana, Kazuaki, and Mana said they just wish they could walk in the park, or ski in the mountains, just go out more. For now, they have to settle for the "quality playtime", even if it is just once every few months.
More downloads available at http://newscontent.cctv.com
For any questions please call +86-10-63969499, or email [email protected]. If you want to learn more, please go to the CCTV website at http://newscontent.cctv.com.
© Copyright CCTV. The content in this story, including video and script is provided by China Central Television (CCTV) and is copyright CCTV. Thomson Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of, or endorse the views or opinions given in, this package. THIS STATEMENT SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER STATEMENTS RELATING TO COPYRIGHT ATTACHED TO THIS CONTENT.