CUJ JR 153 (pdf) Japan Resources No 153 Japan finds itself in an extraordinary situation, 6 months after the massive 9.0 earthquake and tsunami On March 11, 2011. The nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, where 4 reactors were damaged, is still not under full control. This issue of Japan Resources deals with the aftermath, after a long hot summer with setsuden, voluntary reductions of electricity consumption, as the nation faces an unprecedented energy crisis. Consumers have gotten the message, but much work remains at all levels. We also want to thank everyone for their kind messages of condolences and support. Feel free to download the pdf file and print it for your…
Regarding Food Safety
Some General Observations from the Consumer Perspective Regarding Food Safety in Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster on March 11, 2011 20110711 Regarding Food Safety (PDF version) July 11, 2011 Martin J. Frid Consumers Union of Japan The effects of the extraordinary catastrophe on March 11, 2011 in northeastern Japan are difficult to assess even as four months have passed since the 9.0 earth quake and tsunami. In addition, the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, with radiation leaking from at least four reactors, has led to evacuation of areas in Fukushima prefecture, and restrictions on food grown and produced in certain areas. It is…
Pollution Problems In Tohoku Need More Attention
Writers Winnifred Bird and Elizabeth Grossman has written a very interesting article about the pollution issues and potential health effects in Tohoku. They note that damage to the region’s industrial facilities has been extensive: Oil refineries burst into flames in the days after the disaster, sending black smoke billowing into the air. Sewer and gas lines burst, and old electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was washed away. Petro- and agrochemical plants, iron foundries, steel works, and automotive, electronics, food processing, paper, plastics, and pharmaceutical plants were among those that suffered damage. As cleanup continues in the disaster area, questions remain about the fate of chemical contaminants released by these damaged…
Action June 11: No Nuclear Power
June 11 marks three months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered by the earthquake and tsunami. The plants are still spewing radioactive materials. No one wants such dirty electricity harmful to human and nature. Join us on June 11, 2011 with the million-people action throughout the world and let our voices be heard. Consumers Union of Japan will be at Shiba Park in Tokyo, for the event starting at 13:00PM. The parade will start at 14:30PM. For more information: Action June 11: No Nuclear Power Those who have organized anti-nuclear protests in Tokyo and the organizations called e-shift and Fukushima Genpatsu Jiko Kinkyu Kaigi (Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Emergency Congress) are jointly…
Useful Links For Updates On The Nuclear Issue In Fukushima, Japan
Here are some useful websites with information and updates in English about the ongoing nuclear crisis in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan: NGO: Green Action Japan: Fukushima Update Citizen`s Nuclear Information Center (CNIC): Fukushima Nuclear Earthquake Disaster Nautilus Institute March 17, 2011 Report (pdf file): After the Deluge Union of Concerned Scientists (blog): All Things Nuclear Government: Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) (food and water data) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Economy, Trade and Inustry (METI) French National Institute SIROCCO: Coastal Ocean Modelling (Japan Model) Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU): Fukushima potential releases of radioactive materials in the air (computer graphic models)…