Fox News: Radioactive wave from Fukushima nears US… Is it safe? Expert: Risk of cancers or genetic effects ‘not zero’ for people on West Coast; Ongoing leaks increase the odds
ENENews.com
November 29th, 2013
Fox News, Nov. 29, 2013: Is it safe? Radioactive Japanese wave nears US […] radioactive water from the plant nears the West Coast of North America — the water is expected to hit in 2014 — can we be sure it’s safe? The nuclear reactor continues to leak radioactive water due to poor management, while Japanese subcontractors at the plant have admitted they intentionally under-reported radiation […] Fukushima locals also claim they’re seeing cancer at higher rates and the Japanese government is covering up the scale of the problem. […] The [EPA] does not monitor radiation levels at sea, however, and in a statement pointed to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which relies on Japanese government data. […] Doug Dasher, who studies radioecology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said it remains possible that there will be minor effects for people on the U.S. West Coast […] Additional leakage from Fukushima could increase the odds, he said. […] Scientists also warn that if an another earthquake or other natural disaster occurs while the Fukushima nuclear plant is still being decommissioned, that could have catastrophic consequences.
Doug Dasher, University of Alaska Fairbanks: “No acute effects resulting in mortality or damage to organs … would be expected […] Longer term chronic effects, cancer or genetic effects… odds are statistically low, if the concentrations in the models remain within the projections, (but) cannot be said to be zero. […] The estimates (of radiation) vary substantially and do not, at least so far, account for the continued leakage from the Fukushima site to the marine environment.”
FDA spokeswoman Theresa Eisenman: “We are actively watching for information that could implicate U.S. food and are always ready to take further action.”
Gilbert Ross, executive director of the American Council on Science and Health: “There should be no concern among Americans, of any age or location.”
