Fukushima forecast shows large radiation cloud over U.S. West Coast on April 14, 15 (video).
What does it mean to see a spike of Xe-133 (an unstable, radioactive isotope of xenon gas)? According to Wikipedia, Xe-133 is one "of the fission products of both 235U and 239Pu, and therefore used as indicators of nuclear explosions". There were also reports of spikes in cesium (Cs-137) and iodine (I-131) releases soon after the 7.1 magnitude aftershock on April 9. See graphs from IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) as reported by enernews.com below.
TEPCO however said the spikes of radioactive materials was because "the gauge used to measure radiation was most likely broken" (as reported by NYT). If that's the case, should we be concerned about low readings from the broken gauge? Or the gauge is only "broken" when the readings are high? I am concerned about the lack of information and transparency.
I've been following the development in Japan's nuclear crisis with great interest and a heavy heart. And the contamination has entered the food chain here (see the news from NYT below). No need for alarm (yet) though.
The image above is from the Central Institute of Meteorology and Geodynamics of Austria. It shows the spreading radioactivity in the form of I-131 from Fukushima to the US and beyond during March 19-27. The modeling is based on actual data from very sensitive radionuclide stations in the CTBTO (the Nuclear Test Ban Organization) global network. The US seems to be in the direct path of the fallout. I'm relieved though that the toxic plume does not blow directly inland over Japan.
Yesterday (Mar 30), TEPCO (owner/operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant) Chairman announced at a news conference that it was presently unclear how the problems at the plant would be resolved. Looks like we are in for a wild ride. Hold on tight! On a related note, Obama yesterday in his speech on US energy strategy just reaffirmed the continued need to rely on and safety of nuclear power. To me, this means the need for local action and conversations on reducing our dependency on nuke is greater than ever. Let's start thinking about energy self-sufficiency! :)
And here is the NYT news: U.S. | March 31, 2011 Low Levels of Radiation Found in American Milk By MATTHEW L. WALD Tests of milk samples in Washington State indicated the presence of radioactive iodine from Japan, but officials said that the levels were below public health concern.
