Since the earthquake, which occurred on 15 July, there has been press coverage and rumours surrounding the issue of damage in the region which has had an effect on tourism in the area. In this regard, we think that it is imperative to disseminate correct information, including the facts regarding the effect of the release of radiation into the air and sea, and details of the IAEA Mission Report. The following is a summary of the facts and report.
- All incidents caused by the 16 July 2007 earthquake have already stopped. All reactors at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant operating at the time of the earthquake were shut down as designed, and the plant has remained in a safe condition.
- After the earthquake an insignificant amount of radioactive materials was released into the air and sea. However, its effect of the radiation due to the release is as low as one-10 millionth (1/10,000,000) of the radiation which normal citizens would receive from the natural environment in a year. The radiation is by no means at a level which affects the public and the environment.
- In this connection, the report by an IAEA expert mission also concluded that the automatic shutdown of the reactors was performed successfully, and the radioactive releases to the environment were estimated to result in an individual does well below the authorized limits established by the regulatory authority.
- The IAEA��s report assesses that, the attitude of the Japanese counterpart was open and cooperative throughout the mission. Japan will continue to provide the OECD/NEA and the IAEA General Conference with relevant information in an active manner. It also will host an IAEA international workshop so that the findings and lessons learned from the earthquake will be shared in the international commuinity. Japan will further contribute to transparency and international cooperation in nuclear safety.
(Further information) |
