Bullshit reporting about Fukushima 18x higher than previously estimated (alarmist spoiler alert)

[wtmusic]

[div style="float: left; padding-right: 12px;"]For those interested in learning the actual danger posed by recent radiation readings at Fukushima Daichi, read on.

"We deeply apologize for the great anxiety and inconvenience caused by the recent contaminated water issues at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, which affect residents near the power station and the broader society.

With regard to the high radiation levels (maximum 1,800 mSv/h) found at tanks in Fukushima Daiichi NPS on August 31, some articles reported that "by simple calculation, if a person were exposed to this amount of radiation for four hours continuously, it would lead to death," or "it would take only one minute to reach the annual radiation exposure limit for workers," etc. We would like to explain more about the figure of 1,800 mSv/h.

We used measuring equipment that measures both beta radiation and gamma radiation. The 1,800 mSv/h figure represents the total amount of beta radiation and gamma radiation. Most of the 1,800 mSv/h was beta radiation; gamma radiation measured 1 mSv/h.

Since 1,800 mSv/h is approximately 3.5 times higher than the control level of the equivalent dose for skin, which is 500 mSv/year, such radiation exposure should be carefully controlled. However, since beta radiation travels only a short distance, radiation levels can be reduced considerably by maintaining a distance. Moreover, since beta radiation is weak and can be blocked by a thin sheet of metal, such as aluminum, we believe that we can control radiation exposure by the using proper equipment and clothing.

Additionally, although 1,800 mSv/h was detected at 5cm above the floor, the radiation level at 50cm above the floor was 15 mSv/h. Thus, the figure of 1,800 mSv/h does not represent the radiation level of the whole area.

Some articles reported that "if a person were exposed to this amount of radiation for four hours continuously, it would lead to death," by comparing with the radiation level that would result in death (7,000 mSv), or "it would take only one minute to reach the annual radiation exposure limit for workers," by comparing with the annual radiation exposure limit for workers (50 mSv). However, we believe that simply comparing the 1,800 mSv/h figure with these standard levels is inappropriate, since the standard levels represent the cumulative effective dose (not equivalent dose) upon the whole body.

We will investigate the cause of this issue, taking any appropriate countermeasures immediately, and continue to make every effort to secure the safety of workers."

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/announcements/2013/1230191_5502.html

[Scuba]

1. So they're taking "appropriate countermeasures" to keep the truth from coming out?

That sounds like the nuke industry all right.

[chervilant]

2. Why?

Why are you relentlessly attacking DUers' concerns about Fukushima? Why do you trust anything presented by TEPCO? Why offer up sarcasm and derision about this horrific event?

Please, don't concern yourself with a response. I've seen nothing but derision and disrespect in your previous posts, so I'm exercising my right to eliminate any further exposure to your disgusting vitriol.

[wtmusic]

4. You'll get an answer anyway, for the benefit of anyone else who's reading.

In broader context Fukushima is indeed a horrific event, yet infinitesimal in significance to the ongoing horror induced by the coal/oil/natural gas industries, their effect on health, and on the looming spectre of climate change.

My sarcasm and derision is directed to anyone who is a willing tool of the mainstream media and unwilling to learn the basic science required to understand what's going on. If that's you, you deserve it.

[CreekDog]

19. well TEPCO says it's not so bad and you make fun of our skepticism

yes, you are skeptical of Greenpeace and post TEPCO as a reliable source of information about Fukushima.

just keep on posting then, the most likely outcome is that you discredit whatever you're arguing for.

so go for it.

oh and for good measure, post as you once did, that making intersections safer for cyclists and pedestrians would slow down cars too much to be worthwhile.

that boosted your environmentalist credibility approximately -10 points right there.

[Journeyman]

3. That's hilarious, wt. Posting Tepco press releases as if they're honest and trustworthy. . .

Pure comic genius. Sure to be a hit on any stage. You've certainly got the knack . . .

[darkangel218]

5. I told him the same thing before.

Comedy gold.

[wtmusic]

6. What's hilarious is that your hysteria is based on Tepco press releases

Tell me - how do you determine which ones are lying/not? Do the ones which let your imagination wander get stamped as authentic?

[Journeyman]

7. Exactly what hysteria do you perceive I exhibit? I despise garbage burners, and their defenders. . .

You may be accepting of being lied to, but I am deeply offended by it, especially as it concerns the world in which my family lives and into which my grandchildren must grow up.

Tepco is marked a liar by its own admission, and by the words and acts of the Japanese government. I could perceive this truth otherwise only if I were an ostrich.

And yeah, can the comedy, wt. It's basis must be in fact, else it dribbles into self ridicule.

[wtmusic]

9. A timeline: 1) The information about the high levels was provided by Tepco in press releases

2) The information was reformulated by wire services into a concoction guaranteed to titillate the most vulnerable and undiscerning of audiences
3) That audience gobbled it up, and hysteria ensued - as calculated.

Now, you say you are offended about being lied to. How do you know Tepco didn't lie in their initial release? (You apparently bought that hook, line, and sinker).

Personally, I'm offended by people who regurgitate National Enquirer-level trash which is genuinely harming "the world in which my family lives and into which my grandchildren must grow up".

[Journeyman]

11. And again, I ask, when have I engaged in this behavior you're convinced I'm a proponent of?. . .

[wtmusic]

12. Too easy

"Water off the hills, out of cellars, over barriers, now from out the tanks: this place is a sieve...

And "it's just a level 1 incident," they say -- a low level problem, nothing to worry about.

These arsewipes are as incompetent with math as they are with burning their nuclear garbage. The lot of 'em -- management and engineers, and every politician who's aided and abetted their criminal coverup -- should be stripped to their skivvies, issued sponges, and set to mopping up the mess they created. It won't solve the problem but it'll help clear away many of the obstructions that currently block the world's ability to understand the scope of the situation."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=570129

It is, in fact, a low level problem and nothing to worry about. But that doesn't make for very exciting news, does it?

[Journeyman]

13. And what does this post have to do with your present commentary? . . .

[wtmusic]

14. And why are you refusing to answer my question using inane diversion tactics?

How do you know Tepco didn't lie in their initial release?

[Journeyman]

15. You're the one using them as an authority today. What have they done to garner your respect?. . .

[wtmusic]

16. How do you know Tepco didn't lie in their initial release?

Thanks for all the kicks, btw.

[muriel_volestrangler]

20. And it was upgraded to a level 3 problem, so journeyman's scepticism was justified

Fukushima nuclear plant still 'unstable', regulator says

The crisis at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant "has not ended", the country's nuclear watchdog has warned, saying the situation there is "unstable".

Watchdog chief Shunichi Tanaka also accused the plan's operator of careless management during the crisis.

He added that it may not be possible to avoid dumping some contaminated water into the ocean.

Fukushima leaks: Japan pledges $470m for 'ice wall'

Japan is to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into building a frozen wall around the Fukushima nuclear plant to stop leaks of radioactive water.

Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said an estimated 47bn yen ($473m, £304m) would be allocated.

The leaks were getting worse and the government "felt it was essential to become involved to the greatest extent possible", Mr Suga said.

Yeah, nothing to worry about, I'm sure. The Japanese government just loves spending half a billion dollars on a 'low level problem' that is 'nothing to worry about'.

[wtmusic]

22. Yes, and upgraded for no good reason, according to IAEA

"The initial disaster, which spewed radiation over the countryside and sent tens of thousands of people fleeing, was rated level seven, the same as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Last week's spill was "the most recent of a number of events that involved leakage of contaminated water", the IAEA said in a paper to Japan's Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

"Previous similar events were not rated on the INES scale. The Japanese authorities may wish to prepare an explanation for the media and the public on why they want to rate this event, while previous similar events have not been rated.""

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1300061/japanese-agency-labels-radioactive-leak-serious

But both of you are referring to a completely different issue than this stupid fucking puddle which is about 23 gallons and is currently lighting the entire antinuke community's hair on fire. That is indeed, by any standard a low level problem (excuse me - 'was' . It's already been cleaned up).

[muriel_volestrangler]

23. '23 gallons'? Your own link says 300 tonnes

Fukushima operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) is struggling to deal with the vast - and growing - volume of water it has used to cool the broken reactors.

It said last week that some of the 300 tonnes that leaked from the tank could have made its way through drainage systems into the Pacific Ocean.

That came on top of the admission that groundwater contaminated by water from the plant was flowing into the sea at a rate of 300 tonnes a day, taking its low-level radioactive load with it.

Maybe you're thinking of the Oct 2012 leak:

TEPCO reported that 90 liters of highly radioactive water spewed from a pipe on the first floor of the No. 3 reactor’s turbine building.

The water was contained within the building, the company said.

http://enenews.com/highly-radioactive-water-spews-from-pipe-in-fukushima-unit-3-turbine-building

From your favoured source:

Investigations showed that the level of water in the tank was about 3 metres lower than expected, indicating that some 300 cubic metres had escaped.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS_Leak_from_Fukushima_tank_2008131.html

[wtmusic]

24. I have no idea what link you're referring to.

I've provided many links in this thread.

The current media hysteria revolves around a leak which was found outside a drainpipe that was 90,000 ccs, and it was cleaned up.

In any case, ENENEWS.COM is hyperbolic trash and will be ignored.

[muriel_volestrangler]

25. Your link in #22 to the South China Morning Post, since you're too lazy to check

And World Nuclear News confirmed that too, as I pointed out. Your "90,000 ccs" seems to have been made up out of thin air. enenews.com is the only thing that talks about your '90 litres', and that was in 2012.

[wtmusic]

26. "Lazy" is probably not accurate.

The real reason is that I have better things to do than to chase down your references for you. If you refer to my "link" it's a matter of seconds to paste in which one you want.

This is an ongoing story, and I apologize if I haven't provided enough backstory. Here is the source to which all of this 18-times-cause-death-in-x-seconds nonsense refers to:

"This is follow-up information regarding the water leak from a drain valve of a tank dike in the H4 area in Fukushima Daiichi NPS.

As a result of confirmation on the site conditions, a puddle of approx. 1-2cm was found inside the dike, and a puddle of approx. 3m×3m×1cm was found outside of the drain valve of the dike.

There is no trace of water having flowed into a public drainage ditch, etc. from the puddle found outside of the drain valve of the dike. Therefore, we consider that the water has not flowed out into the sea.

We will conduct sampling on the water thus found."

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/2013/1229834_5130.html

3mx3mx1cm is 90,000 ccs, or about 23 gallons of highly radioactive water, which you would actually have to lay down in to be killed by it, which has been cleaned up but which still has antinukes clutching their throats in mortal fear.

[muriel_volestrangler]

27. As you now know, tests on workers shows their exposure was higher in July

and your '23 gallons' is just the measure of the initial puddle found; they found more later, and every indication is that it's been leaking for some time.

[kristopher]

28. "previous similar events have not been rated"

Last edited Tue Sep 3, 2013, 04:03 PM - Edit history (1)

The main point of the OP is that people are overstating the problem. In light of that what struck me was the quote from the IAEA that wt uses to defend that position

Last week's spillage was "the most recent of a number of events that involved leakage of contaminated water...Previous similar events were not rated on the INES scale. The Japanese Authorities may wish to prepare an explanation for the media and the public on why they want to rate this event, while previous similar events have not been rated."

The IAEA cautioned against the frequent use of INES evaluations in the future, saying this risked clouding the issue in the public mind.

"One possible communication strategy, rather than using INES as a communication tool to rate each event in series of similar events, would be to elaborate an appropriate communication plan to explain the safety significance of these types of event" ..."This would avoid sending confusing messages to the media and the public on a possibly long series of INES-rated events at the lower levels of the scale, for the duration of the entire recovery operation"...

What is the purpose of the INES scale if not to keep the public informed with information that is placed into a relevant perspective by the use of the scale?

If that is true, then what the IAEA seems to be doing is taking TEPCO to task for giving the public information in the manner that has (during the planning phase for this type of disaster) been deemed most appropriate. The IAEA seems to be suggesting that the earlier approach TEPCO employed of NOT telling the public about the severity of "previous similar events" is preferred.

Is that how you parse their comment?


Edited to add the entire quoted remarks from the IAEA in the AFP article at http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/18693612/japan-should-stop-confusing-messages-on-fukushima-iaea/

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. Tepco????? Really...Tepco????

[hunter]

10. A big expensive mess... but not Bhopal.

Deteriorating portion of the MIC plant, decades after
the gas leak. Contributor to ongoing contamination.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disaster

Fukushima is not a Chernobyl either.

Nor is it a Deepwater Horizon oil spill, or any number of forgotten and soon-to-be-forgotten fossil fuel accidents...



The oil slick as seen from space by
NASA's Terra satellite on 24 May 2010

It's not even the ongoing catastrophe of Canadian tar sands exploitation.

And nobody seems to talk much about the non-radioactive and persistent (half life of forever!) toxins the Tsunami spilled, or all the people who were crushed or drowned in the rivers of debris.

Sigh...

[Nihil]

17. Oh hush, you and your inconvenient facts ...

> And nobody seems to talk much about the non-radioactive and persistent (half life of forever!)
> toxins the Tsunami spilled, or all the people who were crushed or drowned in the rivers of debris.

They'd much rather chatter on about the "potential" deaths that "might" be related to radiation
than even "trouble their beautiful minds" about the tragic truth that happened and is happening
every day.

All the crocodile tears for the workers that TEPCO hasn't been caring for and nothing for the
~16,000 deaths (15,883 deaths, 6,145 injured, 2,656 missing) of whom over 14,000 drowned
without even having the chance to worry about a potential cancerous tumour 50 years later.

People panic and get hysterical about the possibility of the tuna in their West Coast sushi having
*RADIOACTIVE* cesium traces whilst completely ignoring all of the other man-made shit that
has been poisoning them through the same route for years. If you are that paranoid about radiation,
buy a geiger counter and test the food before eating it. Then try to think of a similarly trivial test
that will identify the more toxic (and already present) mercury, arsenic, heavy metal & carcinogenic
pollutants that will kill you long before the effect from any cesium in its brief transit of your body.

Yes, TEPCO screwed up completely - before, during and ever since the event - and yes, there is
most definitely a clear & present danger from the ruins of the Fukushima site. No, it doesn't have
anything like the impact of Bhopal (for a single incident), the damage to the Gulf of Mexico (from
Deepwater Horizon, every other polluting oil & gas rig and the algal blooms from the appalling
agricultural pollution) or the ongoing devastation from fossil fuel extraction & consumption.
Just a "potential" that gets people soiling themselves in ignorant panic whilst allowing everything
else to merrily continue ...

[kristopher]

18. Thank you for clearing that up.

All of us silly-willies certainly deserve to be set straight and I want to thank you, hunter, phantom power, and wtmusic for showing us the error of our ways. The core point was extremely difficult to grasp and I have no doubt it still will take some time to educate everyone, but your post finally brought a clarity to the matter that had been lacking for me.

You see, I had been deluded by my life's experiences into believing that I could actually care about and work toward solving more than one problem at a time. I never realized that if something wasn't the be-all-end-all issue of the century, it really wasn't worth the time it takes to learn about it or discuss it with others.

Now that I understand the true nature of responsibility, I look forward to my life being so much easier since I will be able to avoid all the issues that are often so depressing in my day. I'll have more free time too! Just think of all the fiction books I can read since I'll be avoiding any material that I used to consider substantive. Civil rights, politics, economic hardship... Why all of that just disappears when I apply your recommended method of evaluating the relevance of the crap life throws at us.

I just have one question, how do you decide what issue is the worst? Bhopal was bad, but as far as casualties go, it didn't hold a candle to the Second Gulf War - hell, it wasn't even as bad as the First Gulf War. And the BP Gulf of Mexico spill certainly isn't a concern to me any longer now that I'm recalling how Saddam Hussein lit the Iraqi Oil Fields on fire - now THAT was pollution on a scale to capture apocalyptic interest.

And yet, even as I think about all of that, I'm not sure that's were to end up. What about gun violence or traffic fatalities - can't I just disregard every other problem if they don't measure up to the carnage wrought by our favorite toys?

Thanks again to all of you for the great lesson in human nature and the truly revealing insight into the minds of people that really, really give a damn about what's important.

PS - I think I've got the final answer - nothing since World War II is worth anyone's time. It has everything from massive casualties and evil dictators, to legions of sunk ships filled with oil and the tearing asunder of the very fabric of the universe itself (yeah that's a little dramatic, but I'm trying to build it up so I can stop worrying about what to worry about).
Thanks again.
TTFN

[Nihil]

21. You're welcome. Thank you for providing such a splendid example of a non-sequitur. (n/t)

[kristopher]

29. No, no, I insist the honors are all to you and yours my dearest friend.

How could this poor, pitiable fool have conducted the remainder of his miserable life with any degree of joy had I not learned the secret of happiness at your wise and noble feet.


...daily schedule, Aaron slipped into a chair at the rear Professor Davis' lecture hall a few minutes late; just in time to see the portly scholar - in spite of the cool of the morning - mop is pate with a copious bandana. As Prof. Davis did so he glared at the athletic, dark haired Rhonda sitting by the windows in the 3rd row. The Applied Linguistics lecture on communication strategies continued at the professor's usual frenetic pace when a few moments later out came the bedsheet sized bandana again to be passed vigorously over the balding head. Only this time, instead of just glaring at Rhonda Professor Davis glared at both Rhonda and the window next to her, switching his gaze rapidly between the two points of attention.
Rhonda immediately understood the unspoken command and darted to the window to fling it open and allow more of the morning's chilly air into the already tomb-like marble coldness of the classroom...

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[caraher]

30. Even at face value the TEPCO piece is a mess

Since 1,800 mSv/h is approximately 3.5 times higher than the control level of the equivalent dose for skin, which is 500 mSv/year, such radiation exposure should be carefully controlled.

"3.5 times higher?" Well, 1800/500=3.6. But 1800 mSv/hour is not 3.6 times 500 mSv/year.

It's like saying Oracle's CEO salary of about $46,000 an hour is basically the same as the $46,000 median annual salary of US workers.

[madokie]

31. And it sounds like you are the one reporting the bullshit

Man o man