Japan to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear plant later this week
NPR Online NewsAPR 3 2023
A more accurate understanding of the plans to discharge Fukushima water is starting to prevail internationally. The IAEA has thoroughly assessed Japan's intentions and confirmed that the release would have a negligible impact on the environment and human health. The only contaminated element left in the treated water will be tritium, at a concentration well below internationally approved levels. Neighboring countries and industry heads must stop fear-mongering over these plans.
This release could result in a significant blow for a fishing industry already dogged by the stigma of radioactivity. South Korean opposition leaders have accused Pres. Yoon Suk Yoel of disregarding the health risks posed by discharging radioactive waste for the sake of diplomacy. Pushing ahead with these plans will likely backfire on Japan's government, hurting the nation's image abroad while making relations with China more challenging in the near future.