Fukushima Evacuation Workers Exposed to Radiation Above Safe Limit: Japanese Govt

In March 2011 a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake breached the barriers of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility in Japan causing the worst commercial nuclear disaster in history. Of the 3,000 personnel involved in operations within the 20-km evacuation zone around the stricken plant, 38% were found to have been exposed to radiation levels of 1 millisievert or more, revealed the Japanese government. The survey conducted by the Cabinet Office revealed that 19% were exposed to between 1 to 2 millisieverts, while 5% from the sample were exposed to between 5 and 10 millisieverts. The government report also suggested that in the days following the multiple meltdowns at the plant, 62% of those surveyed were exposed to radiation registering less than the 1 millisievert public limit.

The government said, "Radiation levels dropped on March 18, 2011, to around 0.1 millisievert, but had spiked on the 15th of the month following a hydrogen explosion at the plant's third reactor building. For civilians involved in such rescue operations, an exposure level of 1 millisievert has been permitted as the limit."

Source-IANS