DATE=9/30/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=JAPAN NUKE UPDATE (S&L)
NUMBER=2-254537
BYLINE=KARRIN AMODEO
DATELINE=TOKYO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The atomic chain reaction at the heart of
Japan's worst ever nuclear accident is over, the
Govenor of the affected region said early Friday
morning. Two workers remain in a critical condition
and over 300-thousand residents are being told to stay
inside their homes. Karrin Amodeo has more in this
report from Tokyo
TEXT: The levels of radiation at the processing plant
in Tokaimura are now about five times above normal
limits after soaring to 15-thousand times normal.
The accident occurred early Thursday morning at the
privately-owned plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, 110-
kilometers northeast of Tokyo. Workers accidentally
pumped too much liquid uranium into a tank of nitric
acid while making nuclear fuel.
The accident led to Japan's first ever self-sustaining
nuclear fission chain reaction. Nuclear fission is the
idea behind the atomic bomb. When neutrons hit
uranium, atoms split and huge amounts of energy and
radioactivity are released. The plant was not designed
to contain an accident of this sort.
Two workers remain in critical condition, suffering
from shock. They have diarrhea, a fever, red skin and
a high white blood cell count. All are symptoms of
radiation sickness. Thirty nine people were exposed to
radiation and about 150 people were evacuated.
/// REST OPTIONAL FOR LONG VERSION ///
More than 300-thousand people living near the plant
are being told to stay indoors. Schools are shut,
major highways leading into the town are closed, and
electronic billboards on smaller roads tell motorists
to drive through as quickly as possible.
Japan relies heavily on nuclear power because it is
poor in natural resources. Fifty-two atomic plants
provide one-third of the country's electricity. Yet
environmentalists say the nuclear industry here has no
culture of safety.
The accident is the latest in a series of mishaps that
continue to plague the nuclear industry. The latest
occurred in July 1999. Tokaimura complex has been the
scene of several accidents in recent years. This
accident has caused the most serious injury ever and
has the potential to harm the largest number of
people.
Officials at the plant say they apologize from the
bottom of their hearts. They say they'll make a full
investigation into Thursday's accident. (Signed)
Neb/ka/gm
30-Sep-1999 20:27 PM EDT (01-Oct-1999 0027 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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