The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Japan have reached an agreement to conduct a continuous safety review of the treated water discharge from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The announcement was made by the IAEA during a meeting in New York on Monday.
Japan had previously begun releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant, a move that has caused tensions with China, its largest trading partner. The Chinese embassy in Japan has expressed concerns about the water, referring to it as “contaminated.”
The IAEA’s involvement in the reviewing process aims to provide an international framework for monitoring the water’s safety. However, China has stated that it was not invited to participate in this framework.
The decision to release treated water from the Fukushima plant has sparked a significant debate over potential environmental risks and the impact on the reputation of Japanese seafood exports. The Japanese government has assured the public that the water has been treated to remove harmful radioactive isotopes, and that the discharge poses no threat to human health or the environment.
The IAEA’s involvement in the safety review will help to address concerns and provide an independent assessment of the water discharge. This collaboration between Japan and the international community is crucial in ensuring transparency and building trust in the handling of nuclear waste.
It is important to note that the treated water being released is not directly released into the ocean but into the Pacific Ocean after undergoing a thorough filtration process. The water will be diluted to meet international safety standards before being discharged.
Overall, Japan’s collaboration with the IAEA demonstrates its commitment to the safe handling and management of nuclear waste. The continuous safety review will help to ensure the protection of both public health and the environment.
Sources:
– International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
– Reuters