Fukushima Debris Soon To Hit American Shores

http://www.rense.com/general95/death.htm  By Yoichi Shimatsu
Exclusive To Rense.com

Hong Kong-Based Environmental Consultant

Former General Editor Japan Times Weekly In Tokyo

12-16-11

 

An unstoppable tide of radioactive trash and chemical waste from Fukushima is pushing ever closer to North America. An estimated 20 million tons of smashed timber, capsized boats and industrial wreckage is more than halfway across the ocean, based on sightings off Midway by a Russian ship's crew. Safe disposal of the solid waste will be monumental task, but the greater threat lies in the invisible chemical stew mixed with sea water.   This new triple disaster floating from northeast Japan is an unprecedented nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contamination event. Radioactive isotopes cesium and strontium are by now in the marine food chain, moving up the bio-ladder from plankton to invertebrates like squid and then into fish like salmon and halibut. Sea animals are also exposed to the millions of tons of biological waste from pig farms and untreated sludge from tsunami-engulfed coast of Japan, transporting pathogens including the avian influenza virus, which is known to infect fish and turtles. The chemical contamination, either liquid or leached out of plastic and painted metal, will likely have the most immediate effects of harming human health and exterminating marine animals.   The toxic mess won't stop at the shoreline. Many chemical compounds are volatile and can evaporate with water to form clouds, which will eventually precipitate as rainfall across Canada and the northern United States. The long-term threat extends far inland to the Rockies and beyond, affecting agriculture, rivers, reservoirs and, eventually, aquifers and well water. end quote.   The latest reports put the 20 million tons of smashed lumber near Midway Island at present on its way towards the beaches of North America. What that will actually mean it is hard to say. But for now, it is likely that fishermen near where that debris field is or where it has been likely need to be using Geiger counters on their fish for their safety and the safety of anyone who ingests those fish. Likewise, if and when the debris fields hit North American or South American shores people should be ready with Geiger counters to check for safety. Another problem might be that remains of people and pets might be entombed in this 20 million tons of smashed lumber and debris as well. So, it is possible that Japanese or U.S forensics might be needed to identify any human remains that wash ashore in the debris field on U.S. or Mexican or Central or South American shores.