Safety regulations of food and water implemented in the first year following the Fukushima nuclear accident

Abstract

An earthquake and tsunami of historic proportions caused massive damage across the northeastern coast of Japan on the afternoon of 11 March 2011, and the release of radionuclides from the stricken reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant 1 was detected early on the next morning. High levels of radioiodines and radiocesiums were detected in the topsoil and plants on 15 March 2011, so sampling of food and water for monitoring surveys began on 16 March 2011. On 17 March 2011, provisional regulation values for radioiodine, radiocesiums, uranium, plutonium and other transuranic α emitters were set to regulate the safety of radioactively contaminated food and water. On 21 March 2011, the first restrictions on distribution and consumption of contaminated items were ordered. So far, tap water, raw milk, vegetables, mushrooms, fruit, nut, seaweeds, marine invertebrates, coastal fish, freshwater fish, beef, wild animal meat, brown rice, wheat, tea leaves and other foodstuffs had been contaminated above the provisional regulation values. The provisional regulation values for radioiodine were exceeded in samples taken from 16 March 2011 to 21 May 2011, and those for radiocesiums from 18 March 2011 to date. All restrictions were imposed within 318 days after the provisional regulation values were first exceeded for each item. This paper summarizes the policy for the execution of monitoring surveys and restrictions, and the outlines of the monitoring results of 220 411 samples and the enforced restrictions predicated on the information available as of 31 March 2012.

Radiation dose rates now and in the future for residents neighboring restricted areas of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

“…The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan began food monitoring on March 16, 2011 and set provisional regulation values for contaminated food and water on March 17, 2011 (14). Except for the early stage of the accident, such food sources have been screened, and those containing more than 100 Bq/kg of radiocesium (current regulation value) have been eliminated from circulation (14). Recent research, including our own previous study, has shown that doses from the ingestion of radiocesium 5-10 mo after the nuclear accident are considered to be less than those from natural radionuclides such as 40 K and 210 Po (15,16).…”

Wild Boars in Fukushima After the Nuclear Power Plant Accident: Distribution of Radiocesium

“…9.5). In addition to the muscle, most of the organs exceeded the provisional regulation value for meat (500 Bq kg À1 ) (Hamada et al 2012), which was the regulation level of radiocesium until March 31, 2012, although the new standard from April 1, 2012 remains at 100 Bq kg À1 (Hamada et al 2012). The radiocesium concentrations in the ovaries were the lowest among the organs (600 Bq kg À1 ); however, they still exceeded the provisional regulation value (Fig.…”

“…Because the radiocesium levels remained high during these 4 years, we cannot speculate about when the meat of wild boars from this area can be used as food. From April 2012, the standard in Japan for the allowable radiocesium concentration in meat has been 100 Bq/kg (Hamada et al 2012). The current radiocesium levels in wild boar meat are now significantly higher than the standard level.…”

Monitoring Inspection for Radioactive Substances in Agricultural, Livestock, Forest and Fishery Products in Fukushima Prefecture

“…233 issued in 1947), on March 17, 2011, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan (MHLW) established a provisional regulation level of 500 Bq/kg for radiocesium in cereals, vegetables, meat, and fishery products. In April 1, 2012, a new maximum limit of 100 Bq/kg was established as a new standard of radiocesium in general food excluded infant food, milk, water and beverages (Hamada et al 2012). To revitalize agriculture within the prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture has been promoting the decontamination of agricultural land while implementing radioactive substance absorption suppression measures for agricultural products.…”