Information on Japan Nuclear Concerns

March 30, 2011

The situation at the Fukushima nuclear plants continues to draw the world’s attention. The Japanese people, with the cooperation of many nations, are putting forth great effort to rectify the situation, and it is certain that Japan will overcome the challenges it faces. Through a variety of websites and press conferences, the Japanese government has been diligent in releasing to the public all information it has in a timely manner. The purpose of this letter is to share this information with you. Should you require additional information, please click on the links provided.

What is the current risk of radiation-related health problems in Japan?

In a FAQ sheet released March 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that while it understands the media’s concern about the health effects from the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima, “there is no risk to human health outside the affected area at this time, based on scientific information now available” http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index.html. It further stated on March 29 that, “The Government of Japan’s recent actions in response to events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are in line with the existing recommendations for radiation exposure.” For further information on this topic, please visit the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s website http://www.mext.go.jp/english/radioactivity_level/detail/1303962 and The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s website http://www.iaea.org/About/japan-infosheet.html.

Are there currently any travel restrictions to Japan?

As of March 29, 2011, WHO http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index3.html, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) http://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/No-restrictions-on-travel-to-Japan.aspx, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (IACO) http://www.icao.int/ were not advising general restrictions on travel to Japan. Further information regarding transportation and radioactivity levels can be found on the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s website http://www.mlit.go.jp/page/kanbo01_hy_001411.html.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Japan?

The restrictions that had been placed on drinking tap water in Tokyo were lifted on March 24 after readings showed that radiation levels had dropped to an allowable threshold. In its FAQ sheet released March 25, WHO stated, “Drinking tap water poses no immediate health risk. The Japanese authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are issuing advice, when needed, against consumption of tap water, including specific recommendations for infants” http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index8.html. Further information on the detection of radioactive materials in tap water and the monitoring of radioactive contaminants of agricultural and livestock products can be found on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s website http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/index.html.

Does the Fukushima situation compare with Chernobyl?

On March 14, 2011, Yukiya Amano, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told a news conference at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna that “the possibility that the development of this accident into one like Chernobyl is very unlikely.” The reactors at Fukushima were automatically shut down when the earthquake hit, so “there is no chain reaction going on.” Furthermore, the Chernobyl reactor did not have a containment vessel, while Fukushima does.

I hope you find this letter informative. Should you have any questions, please contact the Consulate General of Japan at 404-240-4300 or info@aa.mofa.go.jp.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Takuji Hanatani
Consul General of Japan