Feature story - March 24, 2011
Following reports of radiation in food and radioactivity in Tokyo's water, we are calling for more effective protection of public health, and an immediate and transparent availability of information.
Reports have been circulating of increased radiation in food from areas surrounding the Fukushima/Daiichi nuclear plant, and the detection of radioactivity in the Tokyo water supply. In light of this, we are calling for more effective protection of public health, and an immediate and transparent availability of information.
15 March 2011
A handout photo shows Tokyo Electric Power Co. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant reactor no. 4 (center) and no. 3 (L) in northern Japan.
“This alarming rise in reports of radioactive contamination in Japan’s food chain and water supply once again demonstrates that the government’s constant reassurances and downplaying of the Fukushima nuclear crisis and risks public health are at best unreliable,” said Greenpeace energy campaigner Dr Rianne Teule.
“A few days ago, Tokyo Metropolitan Government stated that radiation levels had decreased in the city, yet today warns that babies should not be given Tokyo tap water. The authorities may be trying to brave about the current crisis by trying to avoid causing panic, but are they risking people’s health in the process?”
“The Fukushima disaster once more demonstrates that it is impossible to guarantee public safety in the event of nuclear accident”, continued Teule. “Over the last two weeks, we’ve had inconsistent and unclear information from Japanese authorities, and often contradictory advice from international nuclear regulators.”
“Any attempt to throw the nuclear industry a climate change lifeline in the wake of the Fukushima crisis is a dangerous deceit. The only smart response to this nuclear wake-up call would be for governments around the world to invest heavily in energy efficiency and to redouble their efforts at harnessing safe and secure renewable energy sources.”