Spewing Radiation

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Nuclear Crisis Grows for a Stricken Japan After Radiation Spews from a Reactor Fire,” describes a situation at Fukushima power stations rapidly spiraling out of control. A fire at reactor #4, a new development, sent large amounts of radiation into the atmosphere even though it came from spent fuel rods that were not in danger of melting down. But the event had additional implications because it meant the area was becoming dangerous for plant workers as well, and if they have to leave, there is a possibility of three separate meltdowns at the other plants.

Barely mentioned in the article is the fact that the prevailing winds, so far, have been blowing out over the Pacific. But apparently, there is a real danger that could change, and they could turn south towards Tokyo or west towards Korea.

Japanese officials have pleaded, now, for American help, but it could be too little, too late. The implications of all these events for the nuclear power industry in the United States are enormous. Even though the nuclear crisis in Japan is a low-probabilty occurrence, the impact of contamination by radioactive compounds with a half life of decades, such as cesium, represents a tremendous risk. Even if the situation is eventually brought under control, there is a warning here that the United States would be well advised to heed.