Japan Disaster Day 20 (3.31.11)

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Reactors #3 Drone photo March 24th in photo above.
As you see these photos it raises many questions regarding the condition of the Fuel Ponds as well as the Core ( especially of #3 ). And these past few weeks when Tepco have been pouring water ( Sea Water) did this add to the hydrogen problems ? or the Explosions ? Did it strip the Zirconium Rods ?Looking at these photos are the actual Cooling ponds intact or even able to hold water ? Where is the water going that has been poured on the structures ? And the Steam and the Smoke that has been emitted does it have radiation ? Are any of the meters and gauges in the plant even working ? Was this the push to get the power back on , to get readings ? The push to spray water for cooling raises questions about the Water where is it supposed to go if there are no holding pens, drains or working pipes ? Looking at these photos we can understand why things like "Resin Tarps" or "Cement" are being examined. There are many more questions than answers as of Day 20.
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Reactor #3 and #4 Drone Photo March 24th ( after multiple explosions, Steam events, heat, smoke? ) #3 had/has MOX fuel in actual reactor and also #4 has/had large amounts of spent fuel being stored on upper level ponds near the roof.
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High Resolution Photos of the Reactors at Fukushima, were taken by Drone ( aerial photos really do show damage). (HatTip to @WaronErrorKos found these and they really illuminate the situation ). And these documents show what the aerials SHOULD look like, the aerial photos now mostly look like piles of shredded wheat- not real structures, where the cooling ponds are and where the condition of the containment vessels is questionable.
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Video posted to Internet April 1st is Flyover Video ( Drone?) taken March24th, and has not been shown on Media that I am aware. 6 Minutes long, but first two minutes clearly show damage to Reactors 3 and 4 and also steam rising ,it shows the extensive damage.
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Via AP : Updates from March 25th where Core Reactor Breach and Increased Radiation Levels are discussed

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People seeing those photos might wonder if Cement is being considered. ( Anyone who remembers Chernobyl is silently asking that question).

(1) Here is more about Teams being sent to Japan to examine the Cement Option.
(2) And for anyone who wonders really ? See this See this google page....
(3) Do Look at these Photos and look at the AREVA documents what the reactors should look like inside and outside.
(4) BBC explains more about the problems at the different Units, and why cement is also being examined for entombing the Radioactive Water pooling onsite, including the water in basement of Unit #2.
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This 2 min AP video clearly shows aerially some of the problems including the Pooling and puddling of Radioactive Water, also incudes info France sending help ( AREVA) and aid.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND DETAILS
NISA updates for 3.31.11 ( click through and you can find some interesting tepco updates as well.
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****This "data" from the plant , ( collected METI/NISA ) is interesting because if you go through the charts, carefully you learn that most of the readings are based on or or gathered with malfunctioning equipment. (Which raises questions as to whether most of the meters and equipment was damaged in the quake and tsunami, and the subsequent explosions.)****
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JAIF Number52 release with updates on chart describing possible resin plan related to "dust control" and also raises some questions regarding the turbine.
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Update #53 from 3.31.11 from JAIF raises more questions about the water being sprayed and where it is going as well as the condition of the spent fuel ponds.
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Radiation Levels and Water Issues
New YorkTimes: Rising radiation levels outside Fukushima mean crisis far from over.
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Radiation Detected in Plant Groundwater. (SNS Analytics) via Japan News daily
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Radiation in Seawater NEW HIGH reported by NHK
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From The Guardian Day 20, March 30th report on Rising Radiation in waters, Reactors Water, and Marine Life
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America sending more Aid and Help ( Other than Cement Assessment Teams)
(1) CNN report has more details about 155 Member IRF Team (Marines) being sent CNN Day20 #fukushima IRF Team (155) headed to #japan (CNN) || (Beef from evac area found to have CS137,134 (500Xlimit))||VOA first to report about Special Team to arrive ( confirmed by Pentagon)
(2) America is also sending 7000 Military to assist with location bodies and Japanese and US militaries begin intensive three-day search for missing tsunami victims.
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More News on the Situation from other angles:
(1) This Reuters article raises some interesting questions about TEPCO, Japan's government is reportedly going to taking control of the plant and part of Tepco to better deal with this situation and also the ongoing financal burden.
(2) Various articles in many papers gives the impression that Reactors 1-4 will be decomissioned, but it sounds like the fate of #5 and #6 are in question, which raises questions is someone at tepco have future plans for ANY reactors at the site ? Nuclear experts say it will take decades to decommission four stricken reactors at Fukushima plant. (yet again #5 and #6 future ?)
(3) Financial woes mount at TEPCO, operator of Fukushima nuclear plant. "Put simply, we are in a very tough situation" How much financial trouble is there ? Did Tepco have catastrophic Insurance in light of the Tsunami and earthquake risks ? How bad is it if the Japanese Government is willing to assume and shoulder some of the debt and responsibility.
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Enigma Note: This post is written as we await more details and data , but much has been witheld over the past two weeks, so in light of that I started asking questions in this post. I am on Twitter @watergatesummer if you want more data. Later today I will be posting more info related to the Actual Japanese People and their situation as they cope with three disasters, and also more on Radiation and Health IssuesThis post will be updated on 4.1.11 as we learn more. Many Thanks for extra insights and help from @several_, @WaronErrorDkos @BillieRaven @Calfirenews and Mr.DownUnder
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Background videos of What Damaged Reactors
Explosion of Reactor #3 SkyNews March 13th

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March 12 Explosion of Reactor #1

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March 14th Third Explosion : Which Reactors Involved ?

Tracking Critical Events at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant

These Charts, Graphs are an attempt to date the Explosions, Hydrogen Releases, Steam and Smoke in Photos and Videos, very difficult as TEPCO has lacked transparency. ( Will also add JAIF, NISA and IAEA links to try to put together better timelines).
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Day 19 Japan Disaster

As week 3 of the Japan Disaster unfolds, there are over 500,000 still in shelters, this includes the radiation evacuees.
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Japanese have much to cope with still...extensive losses of homes and life due to the Tusnami and the quake especially along the coast, and the growing nuclear disaster...
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ENIGMA NOTE::: For the most part I have been posting information, research on FB and on Twitter during the past 18 days. I will be honest, the situation has been very fluid, and for the first time blogging or tracking any Disaster, I have been overwhelmed, just trying to keep up on reading and sharing resources.In many years of tracking and blogging disasters, it is one thing to try to document and share information on a Humanitarian disaster, but this is my first time covering a Nuclear disaster, so please know I am trying to locate timely accurate information. So most of the detailed data has been consistently posted on Twitter. I am grateful that I have studied radioactive waste and fallout for 10 years, but saddened to now blog on it... My Handle there on Twitter is @watergatesummer, so I encourage you follow me there. For now I will try to post Once/Day updates here.
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Photo above is back view of Smoking Steaming Fukushima Reactors. As this crisis has deepened, it is apparent that 4 of the 6 Reactors are in Continuing Critical Condition, with rising concerns about the Core Safety as well as Spent Fuel Rods exposure. Timely accurate data has been difficult to obtain due to transparency issues , especially with TEPCO. It is day 19 and 17 US States have reported some fallout data from this disaster, and many are concerned for our country and Japan. America has sent teams to Japan and our Navy has been trying to help them as well. As of today Japan's government is seeking outside expertise and help as this situation has reached dire proportions. Even in Japan people there have been worried their own government was not telling them enough. ( The government has been coping with 500,000 in shelters and much damage due to the 9,0 Quake and the Tsunami as well as rescue and recovery missions,but the nuclear disaster has unfolded with transparency issues for those there as well as here). At this point there are questions as to the true conditions at the plant, especially regarding the Mistreatment of the Workers that has come to light in past 24 hours and concerning soil and sea water samples. As well as continuing questions regarding the actual damage, including Core Damage, and condition of all the Fuel Rods especially in Reactors 1 through 4.
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From abc,net -down under media source, please do read the latest as of 3.30.11.
See Snippet Below:
"As Japan works to contain the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, the level of radioactive iodine in the sea off the stricken nuclear plant has reached its highest reading yet - more than 3,300 times the legal limit.The Japan government is now considering plans to drape shattered nuclear reactor buildings with special covers to limit radiation and pump contaminated water into a tanker.

The embattled nation is also inviting foreign experts to help stabilise the overheating Fukushima station.The United States has lent Japan robots that can crawl through, film and clear rubble in the blast-hit reactor buildings which humans cannot enter because of high radiation.And France, which relies on nuclear power for three-quarters of its domestic energy needs, was sending an expert team from Areva, its state-run reactor maker, to assist TEPCO.An official with Japan's nuclear safety agency said it was time to think outside the box.

"We are in an unprecedented situation, so we need to think about different strategies beyond what we normally think about," the official said."
( And yes article explains that a Dome or Tarp is being looked at to cover dispersing reactors, this idea is being looked at as air samplings and soil samplings from outside evac zone raise concern).
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As this Crisis unfolds the word "Meltdown" needs to better explained in nuclear terms, ABCnews of Australia has article explaining the concerns and visuals of a meltdown, that helps explain it in clear terms.
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More questions and concerns about what is leaking from Plant. (Sydney Morning Herald)
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More explaining the Reactor Damage
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WSJ.com - Inside the Reactors
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Improve living conditions for the brave Fukushima nuclear workers CNN reports that the workers at the plant are lacking food, water, Showers, and medical care and are sleeping in stairwells and being poorly treated. There is no reason that TEPCO should not be providing them with better care and safety gear. It is deplorable. Many stayed even knowing that they had lost homes and family. Many of the part time workers were threatened with being fired if they did not stay. 3 were contaminated by Radioactive water with burns to their legs due to lack of proper boots. And in last 24 hours 3 more were contaminatd again with the contaminated water. ( For some reason the decision was made to NOT hospitalize them to provide them care)
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3 Types Plutonium have shown up in Soils near Fukushima Plant
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#CRITICAL #NISA (nukesafety) Update on ALL reactors Fukushima ||NOTE #1-#4 ESP.re.SpentFuelPonds temps??
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Concerns raised in the Hawaii Daily.....
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(Via Japantimes )
Greenpeace finds high levels of radiation outside no-go zone around Fukushima nuclear plant
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NY Times: heat from fuel rods in crippled #Fukushima reactors evaporate 200 tons of water/day
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Kyoto News:: Woes deepen over radioactive water at nuke plant, sea contamination http://goo.gl/QZMM2
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Seawater Radiation Level Soars Near Plant (Wall Street Journal)
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Berkeley providing water and air sampling data: EPA will need more sampling stations, and maybe universities can aid with this...17 states have tested for fallout already.
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Japan Raises Possibility of Breach in Reactor Vessel citing #3 reactor vessel may be damaged? And that evacuation zone needs to be expanded.
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Updates on Japanese Disasters Coming Later Tonight.....

Massive 9.0 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan (Followed by Nuclear Blast)

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1st person Tsunami video....stunning
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Amazing footage of buildings in Shinjuku swaying in Tokyo. This technology saved many lives.
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8.9 Quake at 2:46PM Friday Afternoon Japan time. ( as of this afternoon now some Cal tech scientists are saying quake is 9.1 ?) Huge quake, 81 miles from coastline, 15 miles deep.Many aftershocks, many over 5.5 to 7.4. ( Now Nagano near NW Coast-on seperate faultline has 6.6 quake). Will update this later.....Do give to International Red Cross, there will be much need. ( Japanese Leaders already recognize and have asked for International Aid).There has been much that has happened in the first
36 hours, Japan is struggling to cope with the Quake Damage, hundreds of aftershocks ( 5.4-7.4 shocks,which are really large in size). In light of all of Japan's well designed improved infrastructure and prepared population, this disaster could have been much worse than it already is.There are whole towns and small islands that are still unaccounted for at this moment. Japan had sea walls and tide walls set up along the Coast to help mitigate the Tsunami effects, it shows that taking precautions may not prevent disaster,but might in the long run save some structures and some lives.

When a Nuclear Disaster compounds a Natural Disaster : Fukushima

Sadly Japan is a country that does rely heavily on nuclear power, 55 plants in the entire country. six in the hardest hit NE regions. Fukushima is the main nuke plant that was hardest hit by Quake and Tsunami, 5 reactors are of concern because they are overheating. Steam was vented. ( For many years scientists and energy experts have debated whether Nuclear Power Plants should be built on or near Faultlines and Coastlines due to risks of Quakes and Tsunami's. We are now watching a disaster unfold that is teaching us lessons regarding this situation ). 26 hours after the Quake/tsunami the first reactor exploded after it had overheated for hours, and even after steam had been vented. The issue is that if the coolant pipes were damaged and the coolant generators were damaged, then there was no circulating coolant. (Hillary Clinton had stated that America was sending coolant, but actually we were sending generators-whether any of that had reached the site is not known. Also whether the Plant still has functioning teams is another.)

The evacuation zone for Fukushima has been increased from 2 miles, to 6 miles, and now as of 35 hours, 12 miles ( Technically they should increase the evac zone to 20 miles, especially if the other 4 reactors are still out of control /and or overheating). Sadly with such tsunami devastation and quake damage, shelter may be limited. ( Evacuation has begun for 83,000 people, but the entire 20 mile radius for Fukushima is 290,000. Also most likely complicated due to lack of means to communicate and inform and the extensive power outages for millions). Iodine distribution has begun, it will be very important that these people are well hydrated and medically followed. Sadly since this large disaster is effecting power and water distribution, this situation is more than worrisome.....

( The bigger question is did the Plant have mechanisms in place to Emergency Shutdown the reactors if the backup generators failed ? I have more questions than answers regarding this nuclear nightmare....Anyone who has studied Chernobyl and 3 Mile know that this part of the disaster is more than critical to monitor at this time.)

More info on TEPCO's poor safety record ( this raises even more concerns regarding their transparency in this disaster.

(( More Nuclear articles below, but bear in mind, Analysts say Japan may have hours to prevent nuclear meltdown ))


Explosion of Reactor1 at Fukushima at 0630 GMT ( or approximately 3:30am EST, TEPCO did say that the ceilin collapsed first-the bigger question is did the floor also collapse, is the core in meltdown ? it was built 40 years ago-was it a double walled containment ?? )

From @BBCWorld: Video of an explosion at #Japan nuclear plant: http://bbc.in/gG6e84

Best analysis: article found by Joe Circirone worth reading to better understand coolant issues and meltdown issues.
NUKE UPDATES 3.12.11::
Video from Fukushima, Explosion - March 12, 2011.flv at same time on Twitter: via @REUTERSFLASH: Explosion heard at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi plant around 0630 GMT - media
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WSJ "Japan Scrambles to Avoid Meltdown."
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NYT "Fears Rise Over Nuclear Reactors."
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WAPO: "5 Nuclear Reactors in Peril."

(( CNN has been interviewing Janie Eudy on her husband's status in the Plant-her husband is one of the workers-not clear if he was injured or is suffering radiation poisoning. 3 are being treated for poisoning according to Japan Media-not confirmed by TEPCO....))

Aljezeera Blog has live udpates this is the video of the explosion at Reactor#1
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** LINK :: Livestreams Radio/TV/news media that are covering Japan
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AL Jezeera Live Blog incredible coverage,video, interviews etc
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Americans who need info on American family/friends in Japan call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747
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Excellent Resources and Information ( Updated)
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27 Things to Help Survive #quake in #Japanese via @RedCross Safe Download
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CNN Live BLOG -Japan
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Stunning photos from Japan being collected by The Atlantic
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Japan's Earthquake Off the (Seismic Risk) Map via @EnnNews
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Kate Shepperd at Mother Jones is doing excellent job covering Fukushima
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GOOGLE People finder ( set up to track and help people find loved ones in Japan)
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Via @japantimes
U.S. citizens looking for info on family, friends in Japan, go to http://ow.ly/4cY5c or call toll-free 1-888-407-4747, or 1-202-501-4444.
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Google has set up site locate family and friends in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean
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From Japan Times : Japanese Red Cross has site for locating family, friends||English only but Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese coming...

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NYT: Confirms nuke plant exploded, radiation leak of unspecified proportions 150 miles fri Tokyo
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NHK is the Japan media source that is worth following closely for updates....
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japantimes
Updates on radiation leak at quake-hit Fukushima plant
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from @AJELive Nuclear meltdown in Fukushima plant #japan looking more & more likely, [...] our live AJ blog .
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(1PM Sat) Kyodo says core at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant "may be partially melting," quoting nuclear safety agency. NYT
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Risk of Nuclear Catastrophe Escalates in Japan - \'Worse than Chernobyl?\ via @forbes
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Earthquake in #japan "strongest in 1,200 years," expert says
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Tokyo emergency numbers and websites page updated here
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BBC Live Feed for Japan
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Energy map from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the intensity of #quake-generated tsunami.
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(2AM 3.12.11 this was about 1 hr before Explosion at Nuke Plant) \\)Watching 3 network Japan mashup here, w/ Japanese social stream. Just heard EAS tones on 2 of the networks
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3:30PM Updates 3.12.11
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Via @tokyoreporter Map showing Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Plant evacuation area: NHKニュース　原発 避難所未決地区は屋内に http://nhk.jp/N3uf68Go
From @HirokoTabuchi
Back in Tokyo, heading to Fukushima this afternoon. Latest on the stricken nuclear power plant there http://nyti.ms/fZHoxX
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"Containment" Structure for #1 ( after explosion) Please note that there is No visible cladding, no steel or cement seen at the top, only air, how can MSM not report that this is now open to air ?
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5:30PM EST 3.12.11 ( 5AM Sunday Morning breaking in Japan)
From Reuters 5:40 PM EST 3.12.11
FLASH: Japan's TEPCO says it has started preparations for releasing pressure from Fukushima Daiichi No. 3 reactor after cooling failed.
(1) Via @Reuters: Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant faces new reactor problem http://t.co/dYKloNO
(2) Japan's nuclear safety agency reports an emergency at a second reactor -
(CNN showed NHK video-but the video only showed 3 of the 5 reactors at the Plant site ? did tweet CNN asking what is status of ALL reactors at the site as of 3PM we learned that they were flushing site with boron and seawater)

CNN NOW READING UPDATE NOW AT 5:52 PM EST DON LEMON READING THAT MELTDOWN MAY BE UNDERWAY......
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Tuesday 3.15.11 Update to be added tonight regarding Fires, Explosions and Radiation issues......sadly the situation remains dire, day 5.

Radiation Information :: ( Cesium Exposure issues )

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Child and family being checked for exposure while being evacuated from Fukushima area.
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Enigma note: I ended up via Twitter sharing some basic simple Radiation Research- mostly advice for some Teachers, NGO's and Media in Japan or on route to Japan. I am not a Doctor or an expert on nuclear materials. Due to past research and work I do have a fair amount of information regarding Cesium and Accidental Exposure, as well as Disaster research. I will add to this post as I find more helpful data. I am sharing it as cesium is not a normal substance that Our News media or journalists cover. 3.12.11 2PM.
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Advice for Media and NGO's going to Japan

** If possible do have Geiger Pens with you to monitor exposure as well as Medical people that can help you notice any radiation symptoms or effects***
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(1)1 Do get baseline History if possible ( Hct, Hgb, and Thyroid studies) Really important for those on thyroid therapy to be in good control. Anyone with open wounds or suffering any immune compromised illness should not go to site. Also if one has liver or kidney issues, or heart issues or is on medications for clotting issues or disorders, they too may not go to site.Heart History is also very important ( baseline) and Potassium history ( as cesium interacts with people on potassium ).

(2) Do not take vitamins that have metals ( boron, copper,iron ) while on site as these absorb cesium. ( If upon return physician want one to on meds or preparations that chelate or absorb cesium that is a different situation ). This includes altering diet as well, no iron rich vitamins. Physicians might want to treat prophylactically with Iodine Tablets, if they do treat, make sure medical history is taken as those with Iodine or Shellfish Allergy can not take Iodine prep. Again critical that Thyroid Function be assessed before trip.

(3) DO hydrate, drink much water before during and after work at site to flush system of any exposure. ( This is a critical issue, and difficult especially as the Disaster zone water will not be available and may be contaminated, so do bring water with you.)

(4) Clothing: Do wear protective clothing and gear. Do not wear absorbant clothing, do wear clothing that will protect you, sturdy boots, Teflon jackets and do wear hat and do wear sunscreen on exposed skin, as that can be protective. Do not wear fiber clothing that absorbs heat or water ( ie cotton or wool will also absorb radiation ). Do also wear solid boots, steel toed or soled if you have them, the thicker the sole the better. Do know that after leaving assignment you might have to have clothes disposed of. ( Do not wear items you are emotionally attached to).

(5) If one suffers wound at the site CRITICAL that medical attention is sought immediately. If possible make sure to flush injury thoroughly with uncontaminated water/fluids. When reaching medical facility do ask if they can or do treat Radiation Contamination Injuries. ( It is important to understand that in an Earthquake zone there is so much debris that injuries are likely). (( For Cesium Absorption injuries may be treated with application of boron, ferrocyanide or chelation with Prussian Blue may be needed). Many medical facilities that treat Oncology patients are also equipped to also treat radiation exposure or illnesses.

(6) Be aware getting accurate timely information regarding exposure may be difficult, as corporate interests do not always guarantee transparency on this issue. ( The existing Power company has spotty safety record regarding being honest with the public.) So be sure to be calm and insistent regarding asking for your symptoms to be treated. Fluids and Hydration are critical, and should be supplied immediately. ( IV Fluids if any nausea ).

(7) Radiation Symptoms include some of the following : Headaches, Weakness, Lightheartedness, Dizziness, Feeling Hot and Flushed ( yet skin maybe warm,sticky,even clammy and pale).Also palpitations, and chest pain. Nausea and vomiting. If there is any Bruising or skin tears. Also if there is any bleeding from nose, gums or mouth , there must be immediate medical attention sought. Actually if any of these symptoms occur or happen together or alone Medical Attention must be sought.
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More on Cesium Poisoning.