Japan:Nuclear experts discuss radiation in Fukushima

Laaska News  Sept. 11,2011
Nuclear experts from around the world have exchanged views on how to provide information about radiation exposure.

Some 40 experts from 14 countries are taking part in the 2-day meeting in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture.

The symposium was organized by the Nippon Foundation in cooperation with the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The body provides guidance and recommendations on protection from radiation.

An US epidemiologist, John Boice, said he does not think people’s health will be affected by the Fukushima accident. He said Japan prevented contaminated food from being distributed, unlike what happened after the Chernobyl accident.

Boice said counseling and timely information are essential for those worried about radiation in food.

The participants discussed ways to provide information on radiation exposure. Some said the radiation levels following the Fukushima accident should have been made public as they were much lower than the levels deemed safe by scientists.

There was also a suggestion that comparative data with other risks such as traffic accidents should have been made available.

Makoto Akashi, whose organization is co-sponsoring the gathering, said he hopes to find ways to convince people that there will be no health impact from radiation from the Fukushima accident.

The experts will compile recommendations on ways to resolve the Fukushima accident including how to limit possible radiation exposure.

NHK.

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Moment of silence observed for disaster victims

A moment of silence was observed in the areas hit by the March 11th disaster on the 6-month anniversary on Sunday.

In Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, people gathered at a hilltop park overlooking the disaster-hit area. They joined hands and offered a silent prayer, as a siren sounded at 2:46 PM, the exact time the massive quake struck 6 months ago.

In Minami Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, about 40 people who evacuated from the no-entry zone near the Fukushima Daiichi plant joined hands in a classroom of a junior high school that is being used as an evacuation center.

In Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, a memorial service for the victims was held at a fishing port.

About 350 people joined hands and offered a silent prayer, as a siren went off at 2:46 PM.

Each person threw a flower into the water to mourn the tsunami victims.

NHK.

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Laaska News.
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