⚠️ Fukushima’s Impact: Radioactive Water and Its Consequences

🌍 It’s been nearly two centuries since radioactive materials developed for human needs have been exposed to the Earth.

Let’s revisit Rachel Carson’s prophetic warning and revelation in Silent Spring (1962) to understand the ongoing radioactive apocalypse.

by GyuHyun (MediaBrain Content Editor)

“Radioactive contamination of drinking water poses another problem. Water already contains various chemicals, and when ionizing radiation is added, it can alter atomic structures to create unpredictable new chemicals.” (p. 180)

“Japan began releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea this afternoon at 1 PM. It will take at least 30 years to release all the stored contaminated water on the plant site.” (August 24, 2023, KBS1 News)

“Cells exposed to radiation suffer multiple damages. Normal cell division is destroyed, and chromosomes or genes undergo direct changes, leading to mutations in offspring, which can present entirely new traits in future generations. … Issues in genetic material can cause diseases in the individual affected and impact future generations.” (p. 237)

“There is no reason to believe that reproductive organs are safe from chemical exposure.” (p. 242)

“In 2013, a study of 244 children of atomic bomb survivors in South Gyeongsang Province revealed that 13.9% (34 individuals) suffered from congenital malformations or genetic disorders. Congenital defects appeared in hands, feet, faces, lungs, hearts, and there were cases of ear absence. The disability registration rate was 9.1%, nearly double the national rate of 5%. It’s estimated that 2,300 children of atomic bomb survivors in Korea suffer from congenital malformations or genetic disorders.” (May 28, 2021, Hankyoreh)

“Absorbing a large dose of carcinogens at once kills cells immediately, but repeated small doses leave cells damaged but alive. These surviving cells can transform into cancer cells, which is why there is no ‘safe level’ of carcinogen exposure.” (p. 261)

“Some chemicals, like Strontium-90, severely impact bone marrow.” (p. 263)

“Since the explosion at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, about 15 tons of contaminated water with high levels of radioactivity have been increasing daily. Currently, about 1.3 million tons are stored in tanks, containing significant amounts of tritium, carbon-14, cesium-134, cesium-137, and Strontium-90.” (May 19, 2022, Gyeongnam Maeil)

Setting aside political interests, every South Korean would agree that ‘safety’ is paramount. There is nothing more important than human life and health.

While risks vary in severity, even the slightest danger should not be tolerated. Instead of dismissing concerns as overblown, it is wiser to prepare thoroughly for any potential disaster. (Humanity has already experienced the aftermath of atomic bombs, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.)

The ‘ocean’ is the heart of Earth’s natural ecosystem, covering 70% of the planet. Humans cannot survive without the ocean.

Let’s revisit Silent Spring.

“Life is a miracle beyond our comprehension, and we must not lose our reverence even in the struggle to preserve it. … What we need now is humility. There is no place for scientific arrogance.” (Rachel Carson) 🌿