The Institute for Science and International Security is (unofficially, as they have no actual jurisdiction in such matters) now assessing the Fukushima reactor accident at INES Level 6, and are publicly stating that if events continue as they are now that it may reach INES Level 7, which until now was reserved only for Chernobyl. ISIS is an anti-nuclear weapons lobby, so that is their bias, but their science is generally quite solid. Regardless of whether you agree with their politics, they are a credible and reputable source for this type of science.
=====================================
ISIS Statement on Events at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Site in Japan
March 15, 2011
ISIS assesses that the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has worsened considerably. The explosion in the Unit 2 reactor, the third so far, and the fire in the spent fuel pond in the reactor building for Unit 41 means that this accident can no longer be viewed as a level 4 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Events (INES) scale that ranks events from 1 to 7. A level 4 incident involves only local radiological consequences. This event is now closer to a level 6, and it may unfortunately reach a level 7.
A level 6 event means that consequences are broader and countermeasures are needed to deal with the radioactive contamination. A level 7 event would constitute a larger release of radioactive material, and would require further extended countermeasures. The international community should increase assistance to Japan to both contain the emergency at the reactors and to address the wider contamination. We need to find a solution together.
Thank you so much! That did the trick, you saved me more endless hours of searching for a fix.
ReplyDeleteInternational Maritime Academy