'Ultra-High Radiation' Emitted from Fukushima Nuclear Plant... "Fatal Exposure Within 1 Hour"

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] It has been revealed that extremely strong radiation, lethal within an hour, is being emitted from the building of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, which is undergoing decommissioning.

On the 26th, a review committee under the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan released a draft interim report of the investigation resumed in September 2019 regarding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

According to the draft, it was found that there is equipment with very high radiation levels near the 5th floor of the reactor buildings of Units 2 and 3 at Fukushima Daiichi.

This is a circular reinforced concrete structure with a diameter of 12 meters and a thickness of about 60 cm, serving as a cover directly above the reactor containment vessel.

Measurements of the amount of radioactive cesium inside this cover estimated approximately 2 to 4 × 10^16 becquerels (Bq) for Unit 2, and about 3 × 10^16 becquerels for Unit 3.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3. [Image source=Yonhap News]

When converted to radiation dose, this corresponds to around 10 sieverts (Sv), a level at which exposure to humans can be fatal.

The review committee speculated that the reason ultra-strong radiation was detected inside the cover is because the cover has prevented radioactive materials from leaking outdoors.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima plant, plans to begin removing melted nuclear fuel debris from the Unit 2 reactor starting next year, but this investigation suggests that the work may face difficulties.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan plans to release the final report in March, marking the 10th anniversary of the accident.